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Child Welfare
Foster Parenting
Foster parents play a special role in the life of a child who, because of abuse, neglect or sexual victimization, has had to leave their family.
Become a Foster Parent!
Foster Care is a protective service provided to children in custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. It provides substitute, temporary care (e.g., foster family home, residential care facility, etc.) for a planned period of time when a child must be separated from his or her own parents or relatives.
About Being a Foster Parent
- Introduction to Foster Parenting
- Common Questions about Foster and Adoptive Parenting
- Am I Ready To Be A Foster/ Adoptive Parent Quiz
- Become a Foster Parent Booklet
- Code of Ethics for Foster Parents
Certification Information
- Minimum Qualifications for Certification/Steps to Certification
- Required Documents for Certification
- Where To Go To Get Started
- Orientation Schedule (2019)
- Pre-Service Training Schedule
Provider Portal
- Are you currently a certified foster/adoptive parent? If your response is yes, visit DCFS' new Provider Portal. Once registered, you will have the ability to: 1) upload/download documents; 2) submit Expenditure Affidavit - Form 435; 3) review board/expenditure history.
- Interested in becoming a certified foster/adoptive parent? Visit DCFS' new Provider Portal to submit an: 1) Inquiry; 2) Application; and 3) Expenditure Affidavit - Form 435. This feature also allows a user to upload and/or download documentation necessary for certification.
Additional Information & Supportive Services
- Louisiana Foster and Adoptive Parents Association
- Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster Parent Handbook
- Department of Education Parent Resource
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
Agency Forms
Questions? Email the Foster Care Program