The Process of Becoming a Foster Parent
Last updated: November 9, 2022, at 9:47 a.m. PT
Originally published: November 4, 2022, at 7:02 a.m. PT
![The Process of Becoming a Foster Parent](/sites/default/files/styles/node_blog/public/2022-11/main%20title%20photo.jpg?h=27063eff&itok=wOBke7HW)
The process of becoming a foster parent can be overwhelming but our Y foster team is here to walk you through it every step of the way. This infographic visualizes the main steps of becoming a foster parent with the Y so you can be as prepared as possible. Ready to get started? Fill out our inquiry form now to start the process or sign up for our monthly foster newsletter to learn more.
How to Become a Foster Parent
Complete Inquiry Form
![Complete Inquiry Form](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/complete_inquiry_form.jpg?itok=IU_KAB3E)
Fill out Y inquiry form with basic contact information and any questions you may have.
Y Staff Response
![Y Staff Response](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/y_staff_response.jpg?itok=2lhGj6_f)
The Y foster team will reach out via email or phone to schedule a call.
Phone Inquiry
![Phone Inquiry](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/phone_inquiry.jpg?itok=QJiXblRf)
The Y foster team will answer any questions and if you are ready to move forward, will complete an intake screening form with you over the phone.
Intake Screening Process
![Intake Screening Process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/intake_screening_process.jpg?itok=5vVcUolx)
If you meet the minimum licensing requirements, then the Y foster team will send you a follow up email with the initial training information and connect you to an assigned Y licensor.
Caregiver Training
![Caregiver Training](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/caregiver_training.jpg?itok=WJjb5e9p)
Complete Core Caregiver Training and send certificate to Y licensor.
Training & Paperwork
![Additional Training and Paperwork](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/additional_training_paperwork.jpg?itok=c106bKCf)
Your Licensor will send you a Y application form and additional paperwork and trainings to complete.
DCYF Application
![Department of Children Youth and Family (DCYF) Application](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/department_of_children_youth_and_family_dcyf_application.jpg?itok=tiu25Dzp)
Submit DCYF (Department of Children, Youth and Family) application and background clearance forms to your Y licensor, which the licensor will submit to DCYF.
Home Study Inspection
![Home Study Inspection](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/home_study_inspection.jpg?itok=TQJrFA6e)
Schedule and complete the home inspection and home study assessment interviews (three visits) which includes a placement discussion with your home study writer.
Home Study
![Home Study](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/home_study.jpg?itok=6FzJwy67)
Home study begins: Either the assigned Y licensor will complete the home study or a home study writer will be assigned.
Complete Final Documents
![Complete Final Documents](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/complete_final_documents.jpg?itok=Fo9QmhxH)
Complete final documents for your foster home certification packet with the help of your Y licensor.
Certificate Packet
![Certificate Packet](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/certificate_packet.jpg?itok=JDgChrbi)
Y Licensor submits complete certification packet to the DCYF Regional Licensor.
DCFY Review
![DCFY Review](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/dcfy_review.jpg?itok=ajyYDxbl)
DCYF (Department of Children, Youth and Family) reviews the certification packet and provides feedback.
Abuse Prevention Training
![Abuse Prevention Training](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/abuse_prevention_training.jpg?itok=-JAXihlk)
While your certification packet is being reviewed by DCYF, your Y licensor will send you an online Abuse Prevention Training to complete.
DCYF Approves
![DCYF Approves](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/dcyf_approves.jpg?itok=xh04PrWt)
DCYF (Department of Children, Youth and Family) approves license. You are now a foster parent!
YMCA Orientation
![YMCA Orientation](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/ymca_orientation.jpg?itok=yUQKXZSL)
Attend YMCA Foster Parent Orientation. Includes a review of Child Abuse Prevention and overview of your role as a foster parent and Y services.
Onboarding Tasks
![Onboarding Tasks](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/onboarding_tasks.jpg?itok=fKSivDBK)
Y foster team supports you with onboarding tasks.
Placement
![Placement](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/placement.jpg?itok=mCAIdyv4)
You are assigned a dedicated Y placement staff to work with you in finding the right placement.
Respite Care
![Respite Care](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/respite_care.jpg?itok=IwJxrR2r)
Provide respite care for other foster parents.
Accept Placement
![Accept Placement](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/accept_placement.jpg?itok=td7clHMw)
Accept your first placement.
Support From Y
![Support From Y](/sites/default/files/styles/media_full/public/2022-11/support_from_y.jpg?itok=J-CDmpG6)
Receive ongoing support from the Y Community of Fostering.
Disclaimer – In general it takes 6 months to get licensed. Please know that the licensing process can look different for everyone and times may vary.