Become a Foster Parent

Once you’ve decided you want to open your life and home to a foster child, there are several steps that need to be taken.

• Interview: If you’re interested in partnering with McKinley and becoming a foster parent, the first step is to call us for an interview.
  
  
• Background Clearances: Once an interview has been completed, background clearances are run, which includes being fingerprinted through LiveScan. A clean background is imperative to be considered for foster parenting.
  
  
• Initial Training: The third step is to begin initial training. You’ll attend classes taught at McKinley that will help you better understand your roles and responsibilities as a foster parent.
  
  
• Homestudy Process: The fourth and penultimate step is a homestudy process. This is where we’ll evaluate your home to make sure you have the resources necessary to properly take care of children.
  
  
• Placement: The final step is placement. We’ll match you with a foster child based on your capabilities and the child’s needs. Other factors taken into consideration include:
  
  
  • The child’s age
  • Where he or she goes to school
  • Where his or her family lives
  • The location of your home
  • Any unique needs the child may have, including language or culture needs