20 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Foster Care Agency
Entering into the foster care space will come with unique challenges however, there is a meaningful opportunity for families to help make a difference by becoming foster parents. While there is a lot to consider before deciding to take this step, we want to help provide guidance as you consider this opportunity.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our previous blog on the 7 Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent.
What is a Foster Care Agency?
Foster care and adoption agencies (also called child placing agencies or CPAs) work in partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to license foster homes and find placements for children. While all CPAs must adhere to the State’s minimum standards for operation, each agency is allowed to add additional expectations and trainings so their specific procedures may differ when compared to another agency.
It’s important to choose a foster care agency wisely as it is their responsibility to ensure that a certain placement is a good fit for the child and foster parents, to provide support during the duration of a placement, and to offer training to the foster parents.
We encourage prospective foster and adoptive families to do their research before choosing an agency. You might even consider starting with agencies who have joined our Babysitting Collaborative.
Questions to Consider When Choosing an Agency
When selecting an agency, there are several things you will want to consider to ensure that it fits best with your family and will support in your journey as a foster parent. Here are some questions to consider before selecting a foster care agency. Not all of these questions have to be answered and not every agency will provide all the services listed, but they are meant to be a starting point for questions you may want ask.
GENERAL
Where are the agency’s offices located? How often will you have to drive to the office?
What do other foster/adoptive families have to say about them?
What is the size and scope of the organization? (Typically, larger organizations have more flexible training options, while smaller organizations may be more attentive to your individual needs.)
LICENSING
What are the agency’s requirements for licensing?
What is the anticipated timeline for becoming a licensed foster/adoptive home?
Does the agency currently have any constraints in the licensing process (i.e. longer than normal review process, staff shortage, approval committee)?
Does the agency have an electronic system for documentation and/or submission of licensing requirements?
Are there any costs related to the licensing process?
TRAINING
How much of the agency’s training curriculum is Trauma-Informed?
Is childcare offered during annual training classes?
How much assistance does the agency provide with regard to annual training requirements?
Are any trainings available via livestream or online access?
SUPPORT
Is the agency staff trained in Trauma-Informed Care?
Are they willing to come to your home to offer assistance with severe behavioral challenges, if necessary?
How often do agency representatives attend court hearings, mediations, and/or permanency conferences?
Is the Placement Coordinator a full-time employee? Are they able to take phone calls directly from a potential foster family?
How often does the agency conduct unannounced home visits?
Do they offer support groups or other types of support for families?
Do they offer post-adoption support?
What are the agency’s requirements for babysitters and respite care providers? Will it be reasonably easy for you to get the childcare support you need?
Finding Agencies in Your Area
There are over 40 CPAs in Houston alone! If you’ve decided to take steps to become a foster parent, it can feel overwhelming to know how to choose an agency or even where to start.
We recommend to start by viewing a list of agencies in your area, spending time perusing their websites and prioritizing the agencies that appear to fit your needs. Take your shortened list and begin to call each one and consider asking their staff some of the questions mentioned above.
There are many factors you should consider before determining the path forward for becoming a foster family. We are here to walk through this process with you and help connect you with others. Reach out to us at hello@riversideproject.org or download our Prospective Foster Family Resource Guide to learn even more about becoming a foster parent!
DOWNLOAD: Prospective Foster Family Resource Guide
