What are the basic requirements to be a foster or adoptive parent?
The only age requirement is that a foster/adoptive parent must be 21 years of age. It is expected that an adoptive parent would be young enough and/or healthy enough to care for a child, and provide them with a normal childhood experience, but no upper age limit exists. There is no specific education level requirement. What is important is your ability to love and effectively parent a child. Many foster children attend daycare – paid for by the state when funds are available – which allows foster parents to work outside the home. In addition, there are a number of after-school programs available for older youth. Adoptive parents may work as other parents do. However, you will be encouraged to spend time with the child when she or he is placed. You will be asked to provide an acceptable plan for before- and after-school care if day care is needed. There is no income requirement, other than that a foster or adoptive parent be able to financially support himself or herself. Any money rece
