Foster families offer loving environments for children separated from their birth families.
Foster parents provide a home away from home for children who have been separated from their parents or natural families by the state of Texas. This home can be a short-term temporary placement or long-term placement, depending on the child's family situation. To become a foster parent in Texas, you must be at least 21 years of age and capable of passing a criminal and lifestyle background examination.
Instructions
1. Navigate to the Department of Family and Protective Services website and click "Foster and Adoptive Parents," "About Adoptive and Foster Care," "Become a Foster/Adopt Parent" and "Interest Form." Enter your personal information and the information for each person living in your household and click "Submit Inquiry."
2. Attend the meeting with a Foster Care representative at the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) office in your area. Your meeting will be scheduled after your interest form is reviewed. As of April 2011, there are no informational meetings in Limestone County, so you will be provided the information about foster care at the DFPS office. You will be allowed to complete the application form to become a foster parent.
3. Complete the Parent Resource Information Developmental Education (PRIDE) training class required for all foster parents. PRIDE training is a 35-hour competency-based training program that is taught by a foster parent and an DFPS agency staff member.
4. Complete universal precautions training, psychotropic medication training and first aid and CPR training. You will also be required to submit to a criminal background and reference check. Your caseworker will perform the background and reference check based on the information provided on your application.
5. Complete the family home study scheduled with your caseworker. The caseworker will visit your home to discuss your personal history, family lifestyle and interests, childcare experience and the type of child or children best suitable for your home. If your home, background and reference information are approved, you will be provided with a license to become a foster parent.
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