General Information

The desire to be a support to children and families is among the most important criteria for becoming a Foster Parent.  The ability to lead by example, mentor, while often coping with complex family dynamics is also important.

Foster Parents are expected to demonstrate  maturity and stability during the temporary placement of the child so that the child is protected and nurtured and able to meet all developmental goals. Foster Parents are also asked to support the case goals and permanency plan for children placed in their care, which often means working with birth parents toward a reunification plan with the placed child. Prospective parents must be at least ten (10) years older than the child to be placed and if single, be at least 25 years of age.

Prospective parents must complete a medical exam, comply with a fingerprint check, be screened in the Georgia CPS system and the national Sexual Offenders Registry, as well as the Pardons and Parole system,  and the Department of Corrections data base. They must also be screened in the child abuse and neglect registry of other states of residence of any other adult household member (over age 18) within the past five years.  

Prospective adoptive parents complete the same application process as foster parents. Some of the children available for adoption were given up by their parents voluntarily; however, most were removed from their homes by the state due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.

For information on how to become a Foster or adoptive parent, call 1-877-210-KIDS.

Each County DFCS hosts information sessions for prospective families on a regular basis. After calling the inquiry line, prospective foster and adopt parents will be invited to an information session close to their county of residence.