Foster Parent Requirements

The physical, behavioral and emotional needs of children and teens in foster care can range from moderate to complex. At Wellpoint Care Network, we train our caregivers in the practice of Trauma Informed Care to help mitigate the effects of trauma so that foster children can heal and thrive.

General Foster Parent Requirements (Level 2)

In order to become a licensed foster parent, an applicant must:

Be a minimum age of 21 years old.
Possess a sufficient, verifiable source of income.
Consider accepting and nurturing a child in need, often with short notice.
Have no prior involvement with a child welfare agency due to an upheld accusation of child abuse or neglect.
Meet all safe home requirements (including working smoke detectors, safe staircases and adequate homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance).
Have bedroom space for the foster child that meets licensing standards.
Have vehicle liability insurance and valid driver’s license (if transporting foster child).
Pass a criminal background and caregiver check.
Be willing and able to work with a child’s biological family.
Have patience, a sense of humor and plenty of love to give.

Treatment Foster Parent Requirements (Level 3/4)

To care for children in need of additional support, Wellpoint Care Network also offers licensing in Treatment Foster Care. These experienced caretakers must meet ALL of the criteria listed above, as well as AT LEAST THREE of the following:

At least one year of experience as a foster parent or kinship provider.
A minimum of five years experience working with or parenting children.
A substantial existing relationship with the child (with case manager approval).
A high school diploma or equivalent.
A college, vocational, technical or advanced degree in the area of the child’s treatment needs, such as: nursing, medicine, social work or psychology.
A minimum of 500 hours experience working as a respite care provider for children under the supervision of a human services agency.
Work or professional experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skill, ability and motivation to meet the specific needs of the child in question.

Licensing Timelines

While every child and every case is unique, the Foster Care Licensing process can take anywhere from 60-120 days from the time we receive your completed application packet.

The type of license you are applying for may also impact the estimated timeline. Read below to get a general idea of the process for both General and Treatment Foster Care licenses.

Attend a New Foster/Adoptive Family Orientation.

Complete application, background check forms, and SAFE questionnaires for all household members and return to Wellpoint Care Network.

Applications are received and screened by Caregiver Coordinator staff; background checks are run, references sent out, and file is passed onto a licensing supervisor for assignment to an Initial licensing specialist, who will contact the applicant to set up their first home visit. This timeframe varies due to the amount of time it takes to receive background checks, and the availability of Initial licensing specialists. On average this process takes a few weeks.

The foster to adopt home study process will be completed in approximately 120 days from date of assignment to an Initial licensing specialist.

Your Initial licensing specialist will help you register for 9 hours of required pre-placement training during your licensing process. In addition, 33 hours of training is required in the first 2 years of licensure.

Connect with the TFC Licensing Specialist.

Complete application, background check forms, and SAFE questionnaires for all household members and return to Wellpoint Care Network.

Applications are received and screened; background checks are run, references sent out, and the TFC Licensing Specialist sets up a time to do a home visit. On average this process takes a few weeks.

The treatment foster care home study process will be completed approximately 60 days from the time the full application is received and processed.

Your TFC Licensing Specialist will help you register for 42 hours of required pre-placement training during your licensing process. In addition, 18 hours of training is required in the first 2 years of licensure.

Ready to Learn More?

The need for foster parents is great – the rewards are greater. Ready for the next steps? Attend an upcoming Information Session online or in person, or sign up below to receive more information.

The Basics of Fostering | The Levels of Foster Care | Foster Requirements | Foster FAQs