In recent years, a growing number of states have moved forward with the dual licensing process, in which parents are approved to both foster and adopt. States have gravitated towards this system after recognizing a need for an increasing number of foster parents, streamlined processes, and fewer adoption delays. Each year, roughly 2 million individuals and couples apply to become foster/ adoptive parents and traverse the sometimes complex dual licensing process. James Patrick Mulvahill recognizes the sometimes confusing process of dual licensing and hopes to help the millions of people who apply to foster and adopt each year. For this reason, James Patrick Mulvahill, otherwise known as Jim Mulvahill, will discuss with readers each step in-depth in an effort to help those considering adopting or fostering a child.
Once individuals have found an agency in their state, they will need to complete three major steps before being approved for fostering or adoption.
Complete an Application
Ask any foster or adoptive parent about their application experience, and they will tell you about the mountain of paperwork they had to complete. When the paperwork process begins, your caseworker will help you to better understand the application process. More often than not, the caseworker will ask that the parent or parents:
– Agree to confidentiality regarding the children they meet and their birth families.
– Be honest during the application and interview process
– Provide all information accurately and in a timely manner
The written section of the application will ask applicants to answer questions regarding their employment, education, medical history, family background, and financial history. Additionally, the application will ask that parents provide the agency with a list of family members and friends who can act as character references. These references will be interviewed by the agency and help the agency to evaluate the individual or couple’s ability to parent.
Participating in Preservice Training
Before adopting or fostering a child, parents will traditionally need to go through “pre-service training.” Each state will require parents to complete different pre-service training programs. The training will help educate parents on what their foster or adoptive child has been through throughout their life and how best to help them integrate into the family and provide them with a supportive and loving household.
Obtain a Home Study
Before being able to foster or adopt a child, an agency will ask that parents complete a home study which with help the angle you decide whether or not adoption/fostering is right for you and what type of child or children will most successfully integrate into your home. The home study process can take anywhere between 4 to 6 months and will conclude with a home study report finalized by the caseworker. This report will include both the age ranges and the number of children recommended for the family.
