Frequently Asked Questions

We partner with caring people in the community who open their homes to children and youth in need of alternative, safe and loving environments. We provide training, support, and guidance for our foster families so that the children placed with them will be nurtured in family environments where they can grow under the care of dedicated and caring home providers.

Completed application, pass a criminal back ground check, pass a child abuse and neglect check, complete the required training, provide proof of insurance for home and auto, complete a medical statement, pass a home safety audit, be over the age of 21, be able to provide proof of income, and provide personal references.

Foster parents, we need you, and so do the kids. Children need safe, loving homes while they wait for their parents to gain the skills and/or take the steps needed to reunify the family. A foster home is by far the best option for the children and can help change a child’s life, especially when the foster parent receives great training and is backed by the best resources in the field. At StepStone, we provide excellent support for foster parents. We make it easy. All we need is you.

Sometimes, depending on if they have family involvement. The type and frequency is determined by DCBS and discussed with the foster family before placement.

• Foster parents decide what ages and behaviors they are willing to accept into their home. The agency reviews all factors in the foster home before making a placement.

• Yes. Both individuals would have to complete the licensing process to become foster parents together.

• Absolutely. Many of our current foster parents work full-time and care for foster children.

• All foster children must have a bed of their own in the home.

• All pets require up-to-date vaccinations.

• Yes. You do not have to be a home owner to foster.

• Yes, as long as you have a bed for a child and your home passes the safety evaluation.

• You must have reliable access to transportation and valid insurance/license.

• Foster children can share a room with any child of the same gender. They must have a bed of their own.

• Yes, but we do require a medical statement of overall good health by a medical practitioner. (All household members over the age of 18 must have one of these.)

• Yes, but you must prove that you are able to meet your financial obligations prior to approval.

• Yes

• Yes

• Yes, but you must prove that you are able to meet your financial obligations prior to approval.

• Yes, but you must be able to pass a background check as an adult.

• Yes

• You must be at least 21 to be licensed.

• Yes. Foster parents can be married, single, divorced, widowed, or a co-parent.

Once your certification is complete, you can begin accepting placements. Certification is typically completed within three months of your decision to start pre-service training. The time frame for foster child placement varies depending on your communicated preferences for the children who will be in your home.

We require a two-week notice to make new arrangements for the child but if immediate removal is warranted, a respite provider is the next option.

The entire licensing process generally takes roughly three months, and includes the following:

1. Completion of Licensing Application.
2. Participation in Pre-Service Training.
3. Completion of the Home Study process.
4. Positive recommendation to the State Licensing Office
5. Approval of the licensing request from your state Department of Child Safety.

Our services include pre-service training, assistance in completing licensing requirements and applying for the license, and ongoing guidance and support once children are placed in your home. The entire licensing process generally takes between three and six months, and includes the following:

1. Completion of Licensing Application.
2. Participation in Pre-Service Training.
3. Completion of the Home Study process.
4. Positive recommendation to the State Licensing Office
5. Approval of the licensing request from your state Department of Child Safety.

Once you have your license, you can accept placements of foster children in your home. Once this happens, StepStone staff provides ongoing home monitoring, supervision and support to help ensure you and the child(ren) you serve have a successful experience!

Yes. The foster family tells the agency their age preference.

We strive to work with future foster families and their scheduling availabilities. We offer trainings both on-line and face to face. Arrangements can be made at each agency to accommodate varying schedules.