How to Become a Foster Parent
The Howard County Department of Social Services is in need of Foster/Adoptive Resource Parents!
How can I help a child in need of assistance?
Howard County Department of Social Services (HCDSS) is asking for loving, nurturing and responsible adults to partner with us and become approved Foster/Adoptive Resource Parents. Foster/Adoptive Resource Parents help by providing a temporary and /or permanent home for a child in need of assistance.Who is a Foster/Adoptive Resource Parent?
A Foster/Adoptive Resource Parent is someone who is trained as both a Foster Parent and an Adoptive Parent. This specialized training enables a Foster Parent to adopt a child without having to go through more training to adopt. Although it is not mandated, many Foster Parents adopt the foster child in their home. Therefore, Foster/Adoptive Resource Parents provide a temporary and/or permanent home for children in need of assistance.Foster parenting is not always a lifetime commitment to a child,
but it is a commitment to be meaningful during a child’s lifetime.
What are the qualifications to become a Foster/Adoptive Resource Parent?
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- Able to obtain medical clearance from a health provider
- Married couples as well as single individuals are welcome
- You must be able to meet your family’s current financial obligations
- Both men and women can become foster/adoptive parents
- Your home must pass a health and fire inspection
- Police clearance and fingerprinting is required for everyone 18 years & older who reside in your home
- You need to be willing to work in the best interest of the child
How do I become a Foster/Adoptive Resource Parent?
- Call the Howard County Department of Social Services at 410-872-8839 to express your interest.
Give a child a home! Call: 410-872-8839