Foster Parenting

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
• Foster Care
• Adoption
• Foster Parent Handbook
• Department of Education Parent Resource
• Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children

Agency Forms

• Agency Policy
• Form 435 (Reimbursement Form)
• Direct Deposit

Questions? Email the Foster Care Program