The Certification Process

There are two main steps to becoming a certified foster/adoptive parent. To start, each family must be approved to attend the training. Once approved, both parents must then attend the training workshops and complete a home study. To begin this process, call our intake line at (315) 435-3827 to discuss the qualifications and requirements of becoming a foster parent and fill out the application in the Binti applications. Anyone 18 and older that is living in the home will need to sign the Foster/Adopt application form, as we use these signatures as a means of giving consent to conduct initial clearances. We will call you with additional follow-up questions, some of which will review your household finances including: monthly Income after taxes, mortgage/rent, utilities, student loans/home improvement loans, credit cards, home expenses (gas, groceries, phone, internet, cable), etc. After the follow-ups are answered, the Home Finding Supervisor will look at all the information you provided and will make a determination whether you are a good fit for the training class. Our training class is an 10-week program covering a variety of topics pertinent to foster care. Once you begin classes, you will also be assigned a homefinding case worker to start the home study process with you. The home study is intended as a comprehensive review of potential foster parent applicants. It is used to determine whether or not an applicant is a suitable candidate for opening their home to children in care.

To Be Eligible for Foster Parent Certification, You Must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be financially stable with a steady means of income
• Have at least one spare bedroom in your home or apartment
• Complete a criminal background check and child abuse clearances
• Have a way for the agency to contact you