Embarking on the journey to become a foster parent in Idaho is a rewarding endeavor. The Idaho Foster Care Program offers a structured pathway for individuals and families to provide safe and nurturing homes for children in need. This guide outlines the essential steps in the application process, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared to make a positive impact on a child’s life through the Idaho foster care system.
Completing Your Foster Parent Application
The first crucial step is to complete the foster/adoptive parent application. For your convenience, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare provides an online application portal. You can complete and submit the application online at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare online application form. This digital option streamlines the process and allows for immediate submission.
Should you prefer a traditional approach, you can request a hard copy of the application. Simply dial 2-1-1 to contact the Idaho CareLine. They will assist you in obtaining a paper application form.
Once your application is submitted, expect prompt confirmation. You will receive notification within one business day confirming receipt and that your application is being processed. Following this, within five business days, a licensor from the Idaho foster care program will reach out to you. This licensor will be your point of contact, ready to answer any questions you may have and to schedule your initial home visit.
To avoid delays in processing your application, ensure all sections are filled out completely, particularly the personal references section. Inability to reach references is a common bottleneck in the application timeline. Providing accurate and complete contact information for your references will help expedite this stage.
Initiating Your Criminal History Background Check
Parallel to the application process, you can begin your criminal history background check. This is a mandatory step to ensure the safety and well-being of children within the Idaho foster care program. You can start the criminal history background checks by visiting the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Background Check Unit. The provided link offers detailed instructions on how to proceed with this essential requirement.
Before initiating the background check, it is imperative to identify your “Employer/Agency ID #.” This four-digit number is critical for ensuring that your background check results are correctly routed to the appropriate office within the Idaho foster care program system. Locate the relevant region from the list below and note down the corresponding four-digit number before clicking the background check link:
Child and Family Services Agencies and ID numbers for Idaho Foster Care Program
- Region 1 (Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah counties) – 1460
- Region 2 (Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Lewis, Idaho counties) – 1460
- Region 3 (Adams, Washington, Payette, Gem, Canyon, Owyhee counties) – 1226
- Region 4 (Valley, Boise, Ada, Elmore counties) – 1236
- Region 5 (Camas, Blaine, Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome, Minidoka, Twin Falls, Cassia counties) – 1838
- Region 6 (Bingham, Bannock, Power, Caribou, Bear Lake, Franklin, Oneida counties) – 1274
- Region 7 (Lemhi, Custer, Butte, Clark, Jefferson, Fremont, Madison, Teton, Bonneville counties) – 1505
Training and Support in Idaho Foster Care
Training is a vital component of becoming a certified foster parent within the Idaho foster care program. Your training needs will be assessed and appropriate training will be provided after you have submitted your application. This ensures that you receive the necessary preparation and skills to effectively care for foster children. Further details regarding the training program will be provided in subsequent steps of the Idaho foster care program application process.
Throughout the application and fostering journey, support is readily available. If you encounter any questions or require clarification at any point during the application process, do not hesitate to seek assistance. Resource peer mentors and licensing workers associated with the Idaho foster care program are available and happy to provide guidance and support. Their expertise is invaluable in navigating the process smoothly and ensuring you feel confident and well-informed as you move forward in becoming an Idaho foster parent.
