Foster care: Questions to ask potential agencies

1. What are the agency requirements? (age, marital status, financial status, health issues, criminal background, religious, number of children, etc.)
2. How long has the agency been licensed?
3. Is the agency a non-profit or for-profit organization? If profit, who owns the agency?
4. How many case managers does the agency have and what is their average caseload?
5. Will the agency provide family references?
6. What is the wait time for families wanting to adopt only, but not foster?
7. How does the agency facilitate birthfamily visits?
8. What training is required to become a foster parent through the agency?
9. What post-placement training or services are provided for foster and adoptive families?
10. What are the agencies requirements for respite care providers?

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the only questions that should be asked. This does not take the place of legal counsel. Any legal questions should be answered by a qualified attorney.