Child and Family Services Agency: Adoptive Foster Parent Qualifications
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Become an Adoptive/Foster Parent

Orientation

All individuals interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents must attend orientation. Meetings are held regularly (with additional sessions scheduled as needed) at the following times: 

Second Saturday of every month
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Fourth Thursday of every month
6:00 - 8:00 pm

The meeting place is subject to change so if you plan to attend please contact (202) 671-LOVE so that we can provide you with the correct meeting location.



Parent Preparation Training

Parent preparation training is an intensive series of sessions that focus on subjects such as how to help children learn to manage their behaviors, how to help children with their birth family connections, and understanding the impact of fostering or adopting. Training is conducted twice weekly for five weeks.



Home Study

Home visits are conducted so that CFSA staff can meet all family members and ensure the household provides a safe environment for children.



Special Needs Children

A child has special needs if he/she:

  • Is five years of age or older,
  • Is a preschool aged child who is developmentally delayed,
  • Is to be adopted with siblings, or
  • Has a physical, mental, or emotional disability.


Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to parents who adopt; subsidies are based on the child's special needs. Adopted children are also eligible for Medicaid until the age of 18. For foster parents, a monthly stipend is provided based on the age and needs of the child.