Foster parenting is a general term used to encompass families who provide a safe, nurturing and loving environment to children for a temporary period of time.
Traditional foster parents provide temporary care for children, while meeting emotional, physical, educational, medical and recreational needs. Foster parents are members of the Out-of-Home Placement team who work closely with the child’s foster care worker and the child’s biological family to achieve permanence for the child.
The Foster Parenting program provides training and ongoing support throughout the home study process and after a child is accepted into your home. Financial and medical assistance are also provided.
Eligibility Requirements
Baltimore County is in need of individuals, couples or families who can protect children and nurture them. Foster parents can be married or single, with or without children already in their families.
To be a foster parent, you need to:
- Be over age 21
- Be in good physical/mental health
- Be able to meet your family’s financial obligations
- Have room for a child
- Agree to have a background check, including criminal background
- Agree not to smoke around the foster child, including both in your home and in the car
- Have patience, flexibility and a commitment to children
- Understand how children grow and develop, and how abuse/neglect affects that development
Disqualifying Factors
Applicants may not qualify for resource parenting if:
- The applicant:
- Is experiencing financial difficulties and does not have stable and sufficient income
- Owes child support
- Lives in a one-bedroom apartment or home
- Anyone in the household:
- Has an indicated child protective service finding
- Was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) within the last five years
- Was convicted of a felony or drug related offense within the last five years
Required Training and Documentation
Attend a virtual information meeting to learn about program requirements.
More Information
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, contact us to be connected with a case specialist.