Foster parents aren’t required to have biological children or prior experience as a foster parent. If you have a passion for helping children, we’ll provide the expertise and offer ongoing education to help support your success as a foster parent.

The requirements to become a foster parent vary by state, but generally they include:

• Income stability – You’ll need to have some form of stable income that will help you support and care for a child in care.
• A minimum age requirement – This may be at least 21 years or up to 25 years of age depending on your state.
• Citizenship – Many states require a person that is interested in becoming a foster parent in the US to be a citizen of the United States.
• Background checks – Individuals who want to become a foster parent are required by many states to undergo a background check.
• Housing & bedroom requirements – Many states require a minimum number of bedrooms per person in the household.

You can learn more about state-specific requirements when you fill out the form to become a foster parent and begin the process in your state.

The answer varies by state, but in general you do not need to own your home to become a foster parent. As long as you have adequate room to comfortably foster a child, you are not restricted from becoming a foster parent just because you rent or lease your residence.

You do not need to be married to foster a child! A single woman or man can foster a child too. In some states, you must be married for a year before becoming a foster parent, and everyone living in your household will need to undergo a background check.

The length of time it takes to become a foster parent is different for everyone! This is because the process of becoming a foster parent also includes preservice sessions, home studies, and the placement and matching process that connects the right home to a child in care.
In general, this process can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. With Mentor Foster Care, this process generally takes 3 to 8 months from application to license, depending on your state.

• Skill development and education – We’ll offer continued education sessions to strengthen the skills you need to be a great foster parent.
• Home visits – A Mentor Foster Care team member will visit your home regularly to ensure the child’s care plan is still meeting their needs.
• Mentor connections – We’ll connect you with other Mentor foster families in your area. That way, you can learn and grow together.
• Support from Mentor Foster Care experts – You’ll have access to experienced coordinators, nurses, and therapists to answer your questions about being a Mentor foster parent.