Becoming a foster parent in plain language

Would you like to take in a foster child?

Then you can go to a placement agency.

A placement agency is, for example: 

• the Youth Welfare Office
• the Foster Children'sservice
• another recognized provider

A recognized provider is an institution.

This institution is authorized to advise care families.

You can get all the information you need there.

And the experts will prepare you for a foster child.

• What are foster parents?
• Who can become a foster parent?
• How does a placement work?
• What does the placement office check?
• Where do you submit the application?
• What are the costs?
• Where can you get help and advice?

Some parents are unable to look after their child.

In this case, the child can live with foster parents.

Foster parents look after the child.

This means:
They give the child a home.

They raise the child
and help them grow up.

Foster parents can be: 

• Couples with children of their own
• Couples without children of their own
• Single people

It's good, if you have support.

From family or friends, for example.

There are several steps to do this.

For example:

• You have personal discussions with a specialist
• There are visits to your home.
• You take part in a preparation course

The placement center accompanies you throughout the entire time.

A foster child needs a good home.

It should feel comfortable.

The foster parents must be reliable.

The placement agency checks whether you can take good care of the foster child.

For example:

• Do you have enough time for the foster child?

• Do you earn enough money?
  
  You must be able to live well on it.
  
  You receive care money for the foster child.
  
  The care money is only for the child.

• Do you have enough space in your home?
  
  The child should be able to play in the apartment.
  
  The child should be able to sleep.
  
  And it should be able to learn well.
  
  Younger children can share a room.
  
  Older children need their own room.

You can apply to the placement office.

You will receive help and support there.

Important:
The application alone is not enough.

The application is not yet a permit.

The placement office decides:

Are you a suitable foster carer?

Which foster child would suit you?

The application is usually free of charge.

Ask the placement office:

Are there any other costs?

Do you have any questions?

Then the Youth Welfare Office or another placement office can help.

You can get information there.

For example:

• How many foster children need help?
• Do I need to learn anything first?
• Who do I need to talk to?
• Is someone coming to my house?

Don't know where the nearest youth welfare office is?

Then search on the Internet:

The website is:
www.unterstuetzung-die-ankommt.de

Type in your postcode or town.

Or search the internet for:

• Youth welfare office + name of your city
• Foster care children's service + name of your city