Division of Family and Children's Services
Become a Foster Family

Child Abuse Hot Line
1-800-222-8000 (Nationwide) or (601) 359-4991


Mississippi Adoption Resource Exchange
1-800-821-9157 or (601) 359-4989
  
 
 

 

 

    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.

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    BELOW ARE SOME OF THE 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 divorce

    If you meet all of the above minimum requirements, you may print a copy of the Foster Parent Application. Please be aware the above list is not all of the requirements a home must meet for securing a Foster Home License.
    It is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) only.  Viewing the PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.  To download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on Adobe Acrobat Reader.

    Foster Parent Application - Available in PDF  format. 

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