Division of Family & Children's Services

Foster Parent Information

Many children are in need of loving, supportive homes with parents who have the time, understanding and resources they need. The Mississippi Department of Human Services - Division of Family and Children's Services is currently recruiting homes for foster children!

Become a Foster Family

What is a Foster Home?
A foster home is the home of a person or family group which is approved by the Mississippi Department of Human Services Family and Children Division for the temporary care of children. Foster parents must meet certain requirements in order to be licensed as a foster family home.

General Requirements for Foster Parents

• Must be age 21 at the time of application
• Must be a resident of Mississippi for at least 12 months
• Must have self-supporting income
• Must have approved references and background checks
• Must complete at least 12 hours pre-service training and 12 hours in-service training every two years to maintain a license
• Must have smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, telephone, and transportation
• Must have approved water/sanitation system
• Must have adequate space and beds to provide each foster child his or her own bed
• May be single, married or divorced

The Foster Parent Application is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) only. Viewing the PDF file requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Contact Information

Mississippi Department of Human Services
Division of Family & Children's Services
1-800-821-9157 | (601) 359-4989