Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent
A Guide for Your Fostering Journey
The information provided in this resource is in regards to Traditional Foster Care only. The information in this document is up to date as of May 2025. For more information regarding the licensing process for foster caregivers in Arizona please refer to https://dcs.az.gov/foster.
Resource Legnth: 10 mins | Published 2025
Download the full report now:
A Letter From the Expert
Dear Reader,
Every child deserves a safe and loving home. Yet across Arizona, thousands of children are removed from their families due to abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions. At any given time, there are over thousands of children in out-of-home care, many right here in our community. These children need stability, care, and compassion as they navigate some of the hardest moments of their young lives.
The role of foster parents has never been more important. Children entering foster care bring with them not only their belongings, but also their stories of trauma, resilience, and hope. Providing a nurturing home environment can be the difference that helps a child heal, grow, and feel safe again.
You can play a role in helping children in foster care. This guide is your starting point. You will learn what it takes to become a licensed foster parent, what is expected in preparing your home, and the support available to you along the way. Our hope is that this resource will inspire you to take action and consider opening your heart and home to a child in need.
If you are considering fostering, know that you will never be alone in this journey. At A New Leaf, we walk with families every step of the way, through training, licensing, and ongoing support. Foster parents are not only caregivers, they are partners in creating brighter futures for children.
No matter where you are on your journey, I invite you to join us in supporting children in foster care and giving them the loving home that they deserve.
Thank you for reading,
Kristina Gonzalez
Foster Care Program Manager
A New Leaf
What is Foster Care
Understanding the foster care system is a great place to start on your fostering journey. The fundamentals are important!
The foster care system is managed by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). DCS oversees the placement of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or other unsafe conditions. In Arizona, there are approximately 10,000 children in “out-of-home” care, with a significant number of these children residing in the Phoenix area.
When a child is removed from their home, they are placed into the foster care system, which can involve living with a foster family, in a group home, or with relatives under kinship care. The Department of Child Safety becomes the legal guardian of the child during this time, ensuring that they receive care and protection. The initial focus is on reuniting the child with their biological family, but if that cannot be safely achieved, the state may seek to place the child in a permanent home through adoption. Below are the steps taken for a child to enter the foster care system.
The Different Types of Foster Care
There are several different types of foster care. We define them here, but it is important to note that this document focuses only on Traditional Foster Care.
Traditional Foster Care:
A traditional foster caregiver offers a safe and caring environment for children who have been removed from their homes. The goal of traditional foster care is almost always reunification.
Therapeutic Foster Care:
A therapeutic foster caregiver provides short term care and support to children that endure behavioral health issues. A child is matched up with an adult who is professionalized in the field of behavioral health in order to temporarily house and guide them towards mental stability.
Kinship Foster Care:
A kinship foster caregiver is an adult or relative who cares for and shelters a foster child who has direct involvement with the Department of Child Safety (DCS).
Obtaining a Traditional Foster Care License
Becoming a foster parent is a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of children who need a safe and nurturing environment.
The process to become a foster parent is designed to ensure that potential foster families are fully prepared to meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma and may have complex emotional, behavioral, or medical needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a foster parent.
1. Attend an Orientation
The first formal step in becoming a foster parent is to attend an orientation session provided by the Arizona Department of Child Safety or an approved foster care licensing agency. During this session, you’ll learn about the foster care system, the roles and responsibilities of foster parents, and the licensing process.
2. Select a Licensing Agency
This agency will guide you through the remainder of the licensing process, provide training, and offer ongoing support once you become a foster parent. Arizona has numerous agencies to choose from, including A New Leaf! When selecting an agency, consider factors such as the types of training they offer, their level of support, and their experience in working with foster families.
3. Complete Training
All prospective foster parents must complete a pre-service training program, often referred to as the “PS-MAPP” (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) training. This training typically involves around 30 hours of coursework and covers various topics, including:
- Understanding trauma
- Parenting strategies
- Cultural competence
- Legal and ethical issues
4. Home Study and Safety Inspection
A key component of the licensing process is the home study, which involves a thorough assessment of your home environment and your readiness to become a foster parent. The home study process includes:
Home visits, Interviews, Background checks
5. Licensing Decision
Once you have completed the home study and all necessary training, your licensing agency will submit your application to the Arizona Department of Child Safety. The DCS will review your application and make a decision on whether to grant you a foster care license.
If approved, you will receive your foster care license, which typically lasts two years before needing renewal. During this time, you can start receiving placements of children.
6. Ongoing Support and Requirements
Even after you are licensed, the journey of being a foster parent includes ongoing responsibilities and support:
Continued Training, Agency Support, Home Visits
Preparing Your Home as a New Foster Parent
When preparing your home to welcome a foster child, it’s essential to ensure that it meets the requirements set forth by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Below are some common requirements that Foster Parents must meet.
Safe Sleeping Arrangements:
One of the primary requirements is providing a safe and appropriate sleeping arrangement for the foster child:
- Separate Bed: Every foster child must have their own bed. This bed should be age-appropriate, with a crib for infants or a standard bed for older children. Bunk beds are acceptable as long as they meet safety standards.
- Adequate Space: The child’s bedroom should provide enough space for them to move comfortably. The room must be free from hazards, and the bed should have clean, suitable bedding.
- Privacy: While children of the same gender and close in age may share a room, DCS requires that children have their privacy. The room should have a door that closes, and the child should have a place to store personal belongings.
General Home Safety:
DCS requires foster homes to be safe and free from potential dangers. A home inspection will assess several aspects of safety:
- Childproofing: For homes caring for young children, ensure that all hazardous items, such as cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects, are stored out of reach or locked away. Electrical outlets should be covered, and furniture should be secured to prevent tipping.
- Fire Safety: The home must have working smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each level of the house. A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible, and there should be a clear fire escape plan. Homes with more than one floor should have accessible fire ladders.
- Emergency Preparedness: DCS requires that foster homes be prepared for emergencies. This includes having a first-aid kit, carbon monoxide detectors, and clearly posted emergency contact numbers. Additionally, foster parents should have a plan in place for natural disasters or other emergencies.
Cleanliness and Maintenance:
The home must be clean, well-maintained, and in good repair to create a healthy living environment:
- Clean Living Spaces: Foster homes must maintain a clean and sanitary environment. This includes keeping the kitchen and bathrooms clean and ensuring that all living areas are tidy and free of clutter.
- Regular Maintenance: The home should be in good repair, with no structural issues like broken windows, exposed wires, or unsafe stairs. DCS will check for general upkeep during the home inspection.
Storage and Organization:
Foster homes must provide adequate storage and organization to ensure that the child’s belongings are secure and accessible:
- Secure Storage for Medications and Chemicals: All medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, must be stored in a locked cabinet. Cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials should also be stored securely, out of reach of children.
- Personal Belongings: The child should have access to personal storage space, such as a dresser or closet, where they can keep their clothing and personal items. This helps foster a sense of ownership and privacy.
Home Environment and Emotional Preparedness:
Beyond the physical requirements, DCS also looks at the overall environment of the home:
- Welcoming Atmosphere: The home should feel welcoming and inclusive, providing a sense of safety and belonging. This includes preparing the household members for the arrival of the foster child and ensuring that everyone understands the commitment involved.
- Emotional Support: Foster parents must be prepared to offer emotional and psychological support. Creating a calm, stable environment is key, as many foster children have experienced significant trauma. Foster parents should be ready to provide comfort, structure, and consistency.
Start Your Foster Care Journey!
Becoming a foster parent is a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of children who need a safe and nurturing environment.
A New Leaf’s Foster Care Program recruits and trains adults to become licensed foster parents or Respite Providers. By ensuring that foster parents have the licensing, confidence, and resources they need to care for a child from the foster system, A New Leaf is creating happy homes for countless children in Arizona.
Start your journey towards becoming a foster parent today by applying to A New Leaf’s Foster Care program. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure you are prepared, comfortable, and capable of providing a loving home to a child in need.
Download the PDF of this report:
Related Resources
What is Foster Care?
Learn what foster care is, how it works, and why it matters. This guide helps you understand the process, the purpose, and the impact it has.