Completing the Licensing Process

Verifying identity

You will receive data collection forms with your paperwork. These completed forms will be used to initiate the background study process. All household members 13 or older must complete a background study. After your identity is verified, your licensor will initiate the background study and provide a fingerprint authorization form if applicable.

Have your fingerprints taken

All household members 18 or older are required to have fingerprints taken. After your licensor has provided you with a fingerprint authorization form, you may take it to a fingerprinting location of your choice.

• You are required to pay a $9.50 fee online using your debit/credit card or in-person by check or money order. Appointments are not required.

Get More Information About Background Studies

Your licensor will conduct a home safety inspection as you begin the licensing process. Before your license can be issued, you must satisfy the requirements of the foster care safety checklist. Here are common items that must be completed:

• If there are weapons in the home, they must be stored in a locked area that is not accessible or visible to children.
  Ammunition must be stored separately.
• There must be a phone (cell or landline) that remains in the home at all times
• For doors that lock, have an unlocking device affixed to the door frame
• Tri-fold guards must be available if there is a fireplace in the home
• Water temperature must not exceed 120 degrees
• 2A:10BC or larger fire extinguisher

To help you prepare, it may be useful to review the Home Safety Checklist (PDF) we utilize.

Getting to know you

The primary purpose of a home study is to ensure that each child is placed in a suitable home and that good matches are made between children and families. We recognize that this is an intrusive process and will do our best to be sensitive to your needs through the interview process. 

• All adults and children ages 7 or older in the home will need to be interviewed. 
• In order to help us complete the home study assessment, you are required to complete the autobiography provided in your initial licensing packet.

After we receive your completed application, you will be mailed paperwork required to complete the licensing process. A licensor will follow-up with you within two weeks of this paperwork being mailed to schedule an initial meeting where you will be able to review the documents. It is helpful if you are able to complete at least some of the paperwork in advance of your scheduled visit.

If you have misplaced, or need additional copies of the forms that were sent to you, you may access licensing forms online.

You are required to complete the following trainings prior to your license being issued:

• Orientation (in-home with licensor)
• Mental Health (online)
• Prudent Parenting (online)
• Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)/Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) for children younger than 6 (online)
• Car Seat Safety for children younger than 9 (in-person)

View full training requirements.