Every Child Oregon

Fostering children can be one of the most fulfilling and life-changing experiences. For children who are in need of stability, love, and care, becoming a foster home /resource home means providing a safe haven during difficult times. The journey to becoming a foster home/ resource home, however, is not an overnight process. It requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to learn and grow. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster parent/resource parent, this guide will walk you through the essential requirements, certifications, and the steps involved in making a difference in a child’s life.

Understanding Foster Home Requirements 

To become a foster family/resource family, you must meet certain qualifications that ensure you’re equipped to provide a safe and supportive environment.

General Qualifications for Foster Families: 

• Age Requirement: Foster parents/resource parents must be at least 21 years old. 

• Stable Income: You don’t need to be wealthy, but a steady source of income is necessary to prove that you can support your own household and a child in foster care. 

• Stable Living Situation: Children in foster care need a safe, secure home. This includes having enough space and the ability to provide for their needs. 

• No Serious Criminal Background: Background checks are mandatory to ensure the safety of the children. 
  

Key Steps in the Application and Approval Process: 

1. Initial Inquiry: Reach out to us to say you’re interested in becoming a foster parent/resource parent, and we’ll help you get started. 

2. Home Study: This in-depth process will include interviews, home visits, background checks, and references to assess your readiness. 

3. Training: In Oregon, you will complete 27 hours of training in an on-line curriculum called “RAFT” (Resource adn Adoptive Family Training) which we’ll dive into next.

4. Approval: Once your home study is complete and you’ve met all the requirements, you’ll be approved to become a foster home/ resource home.

Certifications and Training 

While the initial approval process is crucial, ongoing training and certifications are equally important. Children in foster care often come from challenging backgrounds, so foster parents/resource parents must be equipped with the skills to care for them. 

Overview of Training Programs for Foster Parents: 

• Pre-service Training: Oregon’s Department of Human Services requires all prospective foster parents/resource parents to complete RAFT training to help prepare foster parents/resource parents for what to expect. This training includes topics like child development, trauma-informed care, behavioral management, and working with biological families. 

• Ongoing Education: To maintain your foster care certification, you may need to complete a set number of hours of training every year. This could include workshops on new parenting techniques, dealing with emotional trauma, or managing medical needs. 
  

Importance of Ongoing Education and Support: Fostering children is an ongoing learning process. The training programs you’ll participate in, along with support groups and mentorship from other resource families/foster families, are essential to helping you succeed in your role. Staying informed about the latest research and best practices in foster care can make a significant difference in your ability to provide a nurturing environment for a child in need.