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Foster Parenting
| Interested in becoming a Foster Caregiver? We need you!
Due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, please contact your regional DCFS Home Development office for the most up-to-date information on orientation and training if you are interested in becoming a foster caregiver. |
COVID-19 Guidance for Foster Parents
DCFS is committed to the safety of our children, families and our foster/kin caregivers. View the most up-to-date information about our response to COVID-19 and how that impacts the role of foster/kin caregivers.
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, Pre-Service Training Schedules
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
- Louisiana Foster and Adoptive Parents Association
- North American Council on Adoptable Children
- Adoption Center
- Raise the Future
- Child Welfare Information Gateway
- National Foster Parent Association
- National Foster Care Month - Childwelfare.gov
- Fostering Families Today
- Foster Care and Adoptive Community - fosterparents.com
- Foster Parent Handbook
- Department of Education Parent Resource
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
Agency Forms
- Agency Policy
- Form 435 (Reimbursement Form)
- Direct Deposit
Questions? Email the Foster Care Program