Preparing to Foster

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The Step-By-Step Process to Foster

At Angels we make sure our families are well suited and fully prepared and supported throughout the process. We want to lay out the steps that are taken to complete the process of becoming an Angels foster family.

  1. Fill out our Ask About Fostering Form or call us at 619-283-8100 to express interest in becoming a foster parent
  2. Complete a basic phone screening to determine if basic requirements are met and expectations and goals are in line with the Angels program and mission
  3. Attend an orientation meeting. Our orientations are typically held on the first Wednesday of each month and led by our founder, Cathy Richman. Come and find out more about the Angels model of foster care and how we work.
  4. Complete our Application, which is distributed at orientation meetings
  5. Come in for a  Psychological Screening test. We administer the MMPI-2 to all of our applicants to ensure that their personality would be a good match for the challenges and rewards of fostering.
  6. Once cleared through the application and MMPI, we invite you to attend an eight-week training class.
  7. Our Foster Parent Training is an intensive and thorough preparation for fostering a baby in your home, led by the Angels Social Work Staff.  The class is one evening a week for eight-weeks.
  8. On your first night of training you will receive a packet of forms and requirements that need to be completed, prior to certification. These forms can be completed at your pace, either during training or after. The forms include: CPR/First Aid, criminal record clearance, character references, driving record and alternate caregiver forms.
  9. The final step before certification is a “Home Study” conducted with the Angels Social Work Staff. This will include meeting home requirements (medication and firearms stored correctly, pool safety, etc.) , as well as an in-depth family interview to make sure that you are ready to foster. Your assigned Angels Social Worker will be ready to help with whatever challenges you may face on your fostering journey.
  10. Once you have completed everything above, and you let us know you are ready, we will put you on the opening list. Once your home is open, you could receive your first foster placement at anytime.