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 (2018)
• 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