Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications must I meet to become a foster parent? ​

Foster families come in all shapes and sizes! Below are the minimum requirements to become a foster parent:

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• Either be a single individual or a married couple. Couples may not co-habitat (be unmarried and share a household). 

• Must be 21 years or older.

• Must have current legal status in the United States.

• Must be cleared by a medical provider to be healthy enough to care for children and persons that may enter their home. 

• Must be financially stable and able to support their household without relying on payment from foster care.

• All persons above the age of 18 that reside in the household must be able to and must pass background checks. 

How long does it take to become a foster parent? ​

The licensing process includes background checks, training, and a home visit. This can take roughly 4 - 8 weeks, depending on your time commitment to training and the speed in which your background check is processed. ​

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What is the process of becoming a foster parent?​

To begin, you must complete and submit a proctor application to our Training team. They will reach out to you to begin the process of beginning your background check, done at our office or a location near you, walking you through our in-house training, and gathering miscellaneous documents you must provide for licensure. Training covers 32 hours of agency and industry specific knowledge to equip you with the skills necessary to care for foster children and persons in your home.

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After you have completed training, one of our staff members will inspect your home to make sure it meets necessary requirements. 

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After training is fully complete, documents submitted, your background check is approved, and home inspection done, you are finished with pre-service training! 

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​Do I have to own a home to be a foster parent? ​

No! Foster parents can live in apartments, single family homes, townhomes, manufactured homes, you name it! As long as your home is in good condition, meets the agency's requirements, and has available room, you can become a foster parent! 

How is the pre-service training structured?

The pre-service training is designed to be completed over a 4-week period, providing a hybrid learning experience. This means that you will participate in both in-person training sessions and online courses.

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Why are in-person training sessions important?
In-person training ensures that you are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be a foster parent. These sessions allow for hands-on learning, interaction with trainers and peers, and the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. This format helps reinforce key concepts and ensures a deeper understanding of the material.

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What does the online portion of the training involve?

The online courses are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to complete them at your own pace and at any time that works best for you. These courses cover important topics that complement the in-person training and provide additional resources to support your learning journey.

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What support is available during the training?
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer 24/7 support to answer any questions you may have, whether they are about the material, accessing the online platform, or managing your schedule. Additionally, you can always reach out to your trainer or ALIGN support staff for personalized guidance and assistance.

By combining the benefits of in-person interaction with the flexibility of online learning, the ALIGN pre-service training ensures you are well-prepared and confident as you begin your journey as a foster parent.

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Do you offer first aid/CPR training?

No, we do not offer first aid/CPR training directly. However, approved providers include Heart Savers, American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association Friends and Family program. You can apply for first aid/CPR training through these providers.  

How long do your families typically wait to be matched with a foster love?

The waiting period for matching foster families with a foster child can vary depending on several factors, including the specific needs of the child and the availability of suitable placements. It is challenging to provide an exact timeframe, but we strive to find suitable matches as soon as possible.

Describe the type of youth ALIGN places:

ALIGN places youth aged 14 to 21, who are in need of guidance, support, and a stable foster home. The youth we serve come from diverse backgrounds and have unique experiences. Many may have faced challenges such as family instability, trauma, or difficulties navigating adolescence and young adulthood. These young people are seeking a safe, supportive environment to help them grow, heal, and prepare for their futures.​

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What kind of support do these youth need? 
Youth in this age group often require foster parents who can provide more than just a stable home. They benefit from mentorship, life skills development, emotional encouragement, and assistance with navigating critical transitions such as finishing school, preparing for employment, or pursuing higher education.

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Do you provide mental health services in-house for our kids?

Yes, we provide access to mental health services for the children in our care. We have a team of qualified professionals who can assess and address the mental health needs of the children. We collaborate with external providers and offer in-house support and resources to assist in the child's overall well-being.

Are there any fees associated with becoming a foster parent?

The fees associated with becoming a foster parent can vary depending on the level of support you provide. Here are some common fees that may be associated with becoming a foster parent (per person):

• Auto insurance coverage - cost varies on insurance agency

• Driver's record - $10

• CPR / First Aid - $37

• Food Handlers - $25

• Medical Report - $50-60 (University walk in clinic, price varies upon provider they visit and if insurance is used)

• Home inspection items (common items missing in home)

• 2A:10BC Fire Extinguisher - ~$45

• Red Cross recommended First Aid Kit - ~$25

• If an applicant does not pass a Tuberculosis screening, you are required to complete a TB test which may incur additional fees.

Align Foster Care Agency understands that the fees involved in becoming a foster parent can be extensive. We are committed to supporting our applicants and providing certain services at no cost to alleviate the financial burden. Here are the services we offer without any fees:

Application Fee: We do not charge an application fee. We believe in removing barriers to entry for prospective foster parents, and we cover the administrative costs associated with processing your application and conducting background checks.

Training Fees: Our training programs and classes for foster parents are provided at no cost. We understand the importance of equipping our foster parents with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources, and we cover the fees for materials, resources, and instructors.

Home Study Fee: The home study, which is a crucial step in the foster care evaluation process, is conducted without any fee charged to the applicant. We cover the costs associated with conducting the comprehensive assessment of your home and family, including the time and expertise of our social workers.

Licensing Fee: Once you are approved as a foster parent, we do not charge a licensing fee. We understand that obtaining and renewing your foster care license is a vital aspect of your journey, and we cover the costs involved in issuing the license.​

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I can't foster now, are there other ways I can get involved? ​

There are so many ways to give back! Our agency, our families, and children appreciate your willingness to help. 

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Ways you can help a foster family and foster children include: 

• Donation of hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, body wash, diapers, or any other hygiene items. 

• Donation of school supplies such as binders, notebooks, pencils, highlighters, or other supplies. 

• Gently used or new clothes, toys, bedroom furniture, etc. 

• Providing a meal to a foster family and their foster children. 

• Sponsoring a foster child's Christmas or birthday. 

• Providing emotional and prayer support for the foster families and foster children. 

• Engaging foster families and foster children in the community with open arms and open hearts!