Application Process

If inquiring applicant/applicants meet the aforementioned criteria, a foster care packet or information is provided to the individual or family.

This packet includes:
• An application with a listing of references  

• Program details

• A pre-application

• A listing of needed documents for licensure: TB testing, pet vaccination, approved health and fire inspections, a floor plan of home, and consent for a criminal background or “reason-to-believe finding abuse check”  and FBI finger print checks.

Other documents may be requested in the course of a foster home study such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, military discharges, etc.

Download an Application Now

Understanding the Licensing Process
The period of time to become licensed foster parent(s) may vary between four to six months depending on the completion and submission of paperwork, training and assessments.  The following is to be used as a reference when involved in the licensing process:

• Applicant/applicants will review initial screening policies to ensure eligibility

• Contact local Buckner staff to submit application for consideration

• If the application is approved, Buckner will contact the applicant to schedule an on-campus interview

• Enroll and attend P.R.I.D.E Training - 6 modules (18 hours total)  

• FBI background check or Fingerprinting

• Enroll in additional training classes, which include 8 hours of CPR and First Aid, 3 hours of medication and 12 hours or behaviour modification

• Participate in home study, interviews, and assessments  

• On-going assessments will determine the care level and number of children for which the applicant/applicants can be licensed  

• P.R.I.D.E. courses are completed and the necessary documents are processed  

• Licensing of the applicant/applicants  

• Child/children are placed with foster family (your wait for placement may vary)

• On-going home visits and support   

• Continuous specialized training is provided

Buckner has adopted the Foster Care P.R.I.D.E. curriculum (Parent Resources for Information Development and Education) developed by the Child Welfare League of America as the orientation and assessment model for foster parent applicants.

In addition, other orientation and training materials will be made available to care for the specialized needs of children Buckner serves. All applicants for foster care must participate in six modules of a pre-services training (18 hours) designed for prospective foster parents.

During the course of the training modules, home visits and interviews with all family members will be conducted by Buckner staff as part of the assessment process and mandate by the Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.