Steps to Become a Foster Parent

Step 1: DECIDE IF FOSTERING IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

Complete the Online Orientation for becoming a foster parent in North Carolina. Here you will learn more about foster care, the requirements of becoming a licensed foster parent, and to decide if making a positive impact in a child’s life through fostering is right for you.

Step 2: COMPLETE A SCREENING APPLICATION.

Fill out the Foster Parent Screening Application to be invited to an upcoming foster parent class by the Gaston County Department of Social Services.

Step 3: ATTEND FOSTER PARENT CLASSES.

Attend an upcoming foster parent class known as Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence – Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (TIPS-MAPP). This 30-hour training is a group experience that will help answer questions you may have about foster care. This class or an equivalent training and assessment process is required by the state to obtain foster care licensing.

Step 4: BECOME A LICENSED FOSTER PARENT.

The county DSS will schedule and conduct a home assessment and then submit your Foster Home Application for licensing to the NC Division of Social Services. Becoming licensed will allow children to be placed in your care based on the child's needs as well as your family’s parenting abilities and preferences. This licensing will need to be renewed every two years to continue fostering.