Foster Parent FAQ

Yes! During the application process, we work with families using a Child Inventory Checklist to identify the types of children who are best suited for your home. We also keep the placement process as transparent as possible, sharing all referral information freely so you can make an informed decision on fostering a particular child.

Yes, foster parents are reimbursed twice a month based on the daily “per diem” rate for children in their care. Each child’s per diem looks different based on their needs and their county. Money received by foster parents is not subject to taxes or considered income, though it is best to check with a tax advisor for your specific circumstances.

Roughly 500,000 children are living in the foster care system at any given time, but there are not enough foster parents to create a loving home for each of them. Research has shown that foster parents who provide stability, security, and a good relationship can help young people develop and mature emotionally. (Social Care Institute for Excellence).

Children are placed into care for many reasons, and every child’s situation is different, so there is no “typical” time frame for placements. Some need a temporary placement until a relative can be located. Others need a stable environment in which to finish school or until their parents can meet their treatment goals. Lastly, some children may need long-term or permanent care (adoption).

Regulations and requirements for foster parenting differ from state to state. That makes it difficult to provide an accurate timeframe for the approval process. However, most parents complete all the steps in 3 to 6 months.

For some foster children, the goal is to reunify the child with his/her family. The reunification plan may involve scheduled visits with the child’s family or family therapy sessions. Other situations require the foster parent to provide information regarding the child’s progress. In either instance, the case manager will explain the level of family contact that is included in the referral before placement. The child’s state worker will provide ongoing updates regarding visitation and contact.

The full list of requirements depends on the specific state you live in, but some criteria are universal. For instance, you must pass a background check, a health screening, a home study, and you must attend preparatory training classes. To ensure you meet all criteria for your state, contact your local Necco office.

After your home is approved, you can immediately start accepting placements. Your office may call you with a referral that matches your criteria the day your home is approved.

Yes. During your home study, you will be asked about the children that you feel you would be able to provide the best care for. We will ask you placement questions such as age range, gender, and sibling groups. The placement team will use this information to match foster children with foster homes.

If you still have questions and are seeking more information before starting the process, contact your local office and ask to speak with an Initial Licensing Specialist. Although the approval process can vary from state to state, generally, you can expect: Weekly training sessions, a home study, background checks, and a health screening.

Necco provides the highest level of support to both our foster parents and foster children. Using a team approach, our skilled staff of case managers and therapists is with you every step of the way. We will assist and help guide you through any decisions you need to make.

Absolutely! There is no marital status requirement to become a foster parent in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Georgia. Single and unmarried couples can foster. Ohio requires proof of divorce or legal separation.

Reach out to your local Necco office to see what arrangements can be made to fit your training needs.

The short answer is yes. If you live in Ohio, Kentucky, or West Virginia, then both individuals will be approved as foster parents. If you reside in Georgia, only one individual can be approved as a foster parent. In Ohio, if you are a foster-to-adopt home, only one foster parent can be on the adoption home study.

Of course! Every child’s needs are different, and we match the needs of a foster child with the capabilities of foster parents. This includes things like experience, schedules, and family dynamics. You can also have trusted family members and friends approved as Alternative Caregivers to assist you.

Necco prides itself on working around our families’ schedules. We understand that you have a life and are thrilled that you are willing to welcome a foster child into it. Trust that we will happily arrange a training schedule that works for you.

Your state has regulations in place regarding the total number of biological, adopted, foster, and kinship children who are permitted to live in the foster home at a given time. Reach out to the Licensing Specialist in your local Necco office to learn about your state’s regulations.

Yes, absolutely! Necco prides itself on being an inclusive company with no room for hate.

Minimum and maximum requirements can vary from state to state. With Necco, you must be at least 21 to foster, and there is no maximum age if you can pass a health screening and provide transportation for the children in your care.

Of course! Foster parents can rent or own their home. In West Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia, proof of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will be required during the approval process and as required thereafter.

We love pets! More to the point, there aren’t any regulations that limit the number of pets permitted in the home. However, foster parents must inoculate each pet and provide a record of such to maintain certification. In addition, pets must be well-maintained and groomed to prevent unsanitary home conditions.

Yes, as part of your home study, a home inspection will be done by the licensing team. You will need a fire inspection from your local Fire Marshal as well. During your certification process, a list of what is required from both the fire inspection and home inspection will be provided.

Yes! There are no regulations against fostering in a mobile home, condo, or apartment. In West Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia, proof of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will be required during the approval process and as required thereafter.

No, you will not be able to foster without a car. At Necco, we require foster parents to have reliable transportation because a child needs to be able to rely on their foster parent to get them where they need to be. Whether that be being picked up from school, taken to visits, sports practices, or the doctor, a child needs to not only be able to get there, but also trust that their parent can get them there safely.

Every child requires a bedroom for sleeping. However, every child does not need his/her own bedroom. Each state has specific requirements regarding same-sex children sharing bedrooms, and the number of total children per room. Please contact your local Necco office for clarification on these regulations.

There are no square footage requirements for living space per household member. However, every child requires a bedroom for sleeping.

Not all crimes are disqualifiers. Your local Necco Licensing Specialist can review your charges/convictions to determine eligibility.

All potential foster parents are required to undergo a physical examination. A medical professional must complete a medical report to determine mental and physical approval for fostering. A letter from your mental health provider may be requested.

If you have had past involvement with Child Protective Services, you should contact your Necco Licensing Specialist to discuss your eligibility. They can review your Child Protective Services history and give you a definitive answer.

All potential foster parents are required to undergo a physical examination. Depending on your medical issues, you may have to have a specialist complete a medical report to determine your ability to foster. If you pass your physical examination, your application will proceed to the next step in becoming a foster parent.

Contact your local Necco office if you are interested in transferring. Necco can provide a seamless transition from your previous agency. Many times, it involves signing a form between agencies, updating forms, and ensuring that your paperwork is current.

Yes! Being a foster child, yourself can help you provide insights into the lives of the foster children we serve. Although, becoming a foster parent may bring up traumatic memories, it is important to be aware of what type of placements you feel would best suit you.

Check with your local office, some states may require that you have a high school diploma or GED.

Reach out to your local Necco office to inquire about the regulations on becoming a foster parent while operating an in-home daycare.

Sometimes people become foster parents specifically for a kinship placement. Every child’s case is different, so unless the child’s county has stated that the child can be placed in your care, there is no guarantee that you will be able to foster a specific child. Necco can work with you and the placing agency to coordinate placement.

Yes! Necco has licensed therapists on staff, so children placed with Necco have access to individual therapy services. Having therapy available in-house is a huge benefit because it makes Necco a one-stop shop for care. Plus, youth receive support from familiar faces they already know and trust, which helps create a sense of comfort and consistency.

Necco is different than other agencies as there are many benefits to fostering with Necco. Necco provides holiday events for its foster families, summer life skills groups, weekly therapeutic groups, and 24/7 support. Necco also offers bonuses/incentives that other agencies do not offer.

We offer both in-person and virtual training to fit your schedule. Contact your local office to learn which option works best for you.

It does not cost to attend foster parent training. In fact, in Ohio, the state will reimburse foster families once they are certified and open for placements.