Are you thinking about becoming a foster parent – or even adopting from foster care – but feeling unsure about where to start? You’re not alone. We’ve outlined nine key steps to help guide you along the way:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
Before anything else, make sure you meet Tennessee’s basic requirements to become a foster parent. This includes being at least 21 years old, passing a background check, and having enough space for a child in your home.
2. Attend an Informational Meeting
Attending an informational meeting is often the first formal step in understanding foster care. Here, you’ll learn more about the needs of kids in care and the responsibilities involved in foster parenting. If you have questions you want to explore, we invite you to attend one of our many panels and Q&A events.
3. Pass a Background Check
This step ensures that foster homes are safe and nurturing. This is an important step in the process to becoming certified.
4. Attend Training Classes
Once you’ve completed the initial steps, you’ll need to attend TN KEY training classes. These cover essential topics like child development, trauma-informed care and more. This training helps prepare you for the challenges and rewards of fostering. Training includes 8 modules averaging 3-4 hours each.
5. Complete a Home Study
During the home study process, a social worker will visit your home to assess its suitability for foster care. They’ll also get to know you and your family better to make sure your home is a good fit for potential placements.
6. Accept Your First Placement
After you’ve completed the necessary steps, you’ll be ready to welcome a child into your home. While this moment is full of excitement, it also comes with many responsibilities and emotional adjustments.
7. Continuing Education and Training
Foster care is an ongoing learning process. Tennessee requires foster parents to complete continuing education and training to stay informed about best practices in child welfare to maintain their license.
8. Develop a Community
Fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, so building a supportive community around you is essential. Connect with other foster parents, social workers and local organizations to share experiences and gain support. Be sure to download the Foster Friendly App to instantly connect to a statewide network of support.
9. Ask for Help
Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Reach out to your agency, fellow foster parents, or local support groups when you need guidance, resources, or just a listening ear.
Becoming a foster parent is an incredible journey of love, patience, and dedication. While it can feel overwhelming at times, there are many resources and support systems available to help you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m interested in learning more about being a licensed foster parent.
Cynthia! This is so greta to here. If you have yet to start, fill out this form on our partner’s site: https://everychildtn.org/connect/
Someone from Every Child TN will be in touch about next steps!
How long does the whole process take?
A typical timeframe from start to finish can take 90-120 days once you begin (per DCS policy). As with any process, there are variables that can either delay or expedite that timeline. For example it can depend on how quickly you complete classes, compile paperwork, etc. Hope this helps!