If you are interested in becoming a Broward County foster parent, the first step is to call Jennifer Smith, Foster Home Recruitment Coordinator, at (954) 414-6001. You may also fill out the online information form and Jennifer will contact you with more information. After gathering pertinent information, Jennifer will refer you to the appropriate Foster Care Licensing Agency or you may contact one of the foster care agencies at your own leisure. Once an agency is chosen, you will attend an orientation and a 30 hour MAPP (Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting) training course. While attending the class you will learn about the foster care system and how to care for the children in foster care. After completion of MAPP, a home study will be completed. Some topics discussed in class and with the licensing specialist during the home study are:

• Reasons you want to foster a child.
• Your childhood.
• Your marriage/relationship. (if applicable)
• Your lifestyle and whether it can accommodate a child.
• Your finances.
• Your parenting philosophy.
• Your support system.
• Discipline techniques.
• Child development.

While attending the training you will complete all of the other Foster Care Licensing Requirements. Once all of the necessary paperwork has been submitted, the licensing packet will be submitted to ChildNet and the Department of Children and Families for approval. The entire process generally takes four to six months.

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Foster Care
Process to Become a Foster Parent
Types of Foster Care
Foster Care Licensing Requirements
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