How are foster parents relicensed?
Foster families are relicensed every two years by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Here’s the process:
- DCF will send you a relicensing application. Complete the application and send it to your support social worker BEFORE your current license expires.
- If you don’t want to continue being available to care for our children, please contact your support social worker.
- DCF’s Foster and Adoption Service Unit (FASU) makes sure the family continues to learn about foster care so they meet licensing standards and regulatory requirements. These include PRIDE quality guidelines and ongoing training requirements.
- The FASU will review your foster care record and talk with social workers who have had children placed in your home.
- A relicensing social worker will schedule and conduct a home visit. They will:
- Make sure you continue to learn about foster care so you meet licensing standards and regulatory requirements, including PRIDE quality guidelines.
- Discuss any changes in employment or income, childcare arrangements, legal or health issues, etc.
- Tour your home to make sure it meets licensing standards, identify any health or safety concerns, and suggest any needed changes.
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
- People who continue to meet requirements receive a new license.
- If your household doesn’t meet all requirements, you’ll receive a provisional license giving you time to make corrections. Provisional licenses can be issued for up to 60 days. The director of Foster Care can choose to extend them.