Become an Adoptive/Foster Parent Imagine a child's first steps, first words, or first dance. You can play an important role in each of these experiences as a foster or adoptive parent. The District of Columbia has thousands of children who desperately need a safe, loving home with a caring family. When you open your home and heart to a child in need, your life is enriched in ways you never imagined. Call our parent recruitment hotline at (202) 671-LOVE (5683) to learn more about the joys and responsibilities of adoptive or foster parents. Once you make the decision to become a parent, you will: Talk with a recruiter, who will gather some general information Attend an orientation session, where you will be given basic information about adoption and foster care Participate in a parent preparation training program Meet with a social worker in your home to complete a "home study" (family assessment) For more information, select from this list of frequently asked questions: How do I qualify as an adoptive/foster parent? Is there an orientation session? What is the parent preparation training program? What is a home study? What does "special needs" mean? Is financial assistance available? * This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or Learn More About PDFs.