Foster Care FAQ
There are many questions, myths, and misinformation out there around foster care and adoption. Browse a selection of informative videos below answering some of the most frequently asked questions. Have other questions? Contact us at inquries@chsnc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions – Foster Care
Foster care is a temporary living situation for kids whose parents cannot take care of them and whose need for care has come to the attention of child welfare agency staff. While in foster care, children may live with relatives, foster families or in group facilities. Nearly half of kids who enter the foster care system will return to their parent or primary caretaker.
Schedule a call with a Family Recruitment Specialist or attend an information meeting
The licensing process, on average, takes 4-6 months.
There is no fee to foster one of NC’s waiting children.
Be 21 years of age or older
Legal resident of the U.S. and North Carolina
Complete 30 hours of training provided by CHS, specifically Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence: Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (TIPS-MAPP), the North Carolina State recommended pre-certification program for prospective foster and adoptive families. We invite our families to the training after you have completed an application and a first interview has occurred with one of our Specialists.
Current First Aid/CPR Certification
Successfully complete of CHS Medication Administration training
Provide current medicals and Health History for all household members
Provide an approved Fire Inspection Form facilitated by your local fire department for your home
Provide certified copies of ALL marriage and divorce verification
No felony convictions involving child abuse, spouse abuse, crimes involving violence, DWI (within last 5 years)
No substantiated Child Protective Service Investigations
Willing to submit to a thorough assessment of your family and home
On average, it takes 4-6 months. This is an average and is dependent on the timely completion of paperwork and other aspects of the process.
Kinship Care
Respite Care
Guardianship
Therapeutic Care
Classes are offered throughout the year.
Yes, to adopt a child from the foster care system, CHS requires families to be licensed.
Want to learn more about the adoption process can be found here.
No. You have the right to accept or reject any placement.
North Carolina requires foster parents to renew their licenses every two years.
Complete your application. With the application, CHS will complete a statewide NC criminal record check for all adults residing in your home. This is required at the time of application and is $20.00 per person.
You will be called by a CHS staff person and an appointment will be made to meet with you and answer your questions.
Based on your first interview, you may be invited to a TIPS-MAPP class.
During TIPS-MAPP, a CHS Specialist will work closely with you while you complete the process.
Once you have your foster care license and/or approved pre-placement assessment, you will begin learning about waiting children from CHS staff.

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