How to Become a Foster Parent

Baltimore City Department of Social Services is in need of Foster/Adoptive Resource Parents!

Children are some of the most innocent victims in Baltimore City.

All across this city, children through no fault of their own, are removed by court order from their biological parents due to child abuse, abandonment or neglect. In order to protect these children, the court commits them to Baltimore City Department of Social Services. The courts identify these most innocent victims as children in need of assistance.

How can I help a child in need of assistance?

It is the goal of Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS) to provide a safe, nurturing home for a child in need of assistance. For this reason, BCDSS 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.

What are the qualifications to become a Foster/Adoptive Resource Parent?

  1. Be a responsible, mature, healthy, flexible, patient and understanding adult at least age 21
  2. Complete a series of background and medical clearances
  3. Complete training requirements
  4. Complete the home study approval process
  5. Be able to manage personal and household financial needs
  6. Have your own personal means of support (aside from the child’s)
  7. Be able to meet the medical, educational and emotional needs of a child
  8. Resides in Baltimore City or within 10 miles driving distance from 3007 East Biddle Street (not applicable to relative caregivers)
  9. Own or rent a house or apartment (must pass a health and fire inspection)
  10. Are willing to work as part of a team
  11. Complete and pass background clearances

How do I become a Foster/Adoptive Resource Parent?

  1. Click here to watch an introductory video about how to become a Resource Parent (closed captions available) and review our brochure (English, Spanish).
  2. Review our Home Study Expectations guide
  3. Call the Baltimore City Department of Social Services at 410-685-8231 or fill out our interest form online so we can contact you.
  4. You will be paired with a Home Study team member who will guide you through the home approval process for parenting children in care.
  5. Once you have completed the Home Study requirements, your home will be approved to have children placed with your family.

Give a child a home! Call: 410-685-8231