Alabama Foster Care Regulations
How to Become a Foster Parent in the State of Alabama
A general overview of the Alabama state regulations and requirements for family foster homes.
Those who are interested in becoming a foster parent in the state of Alabama should contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources to obtain the necessary paperwork and begin the licensing process.
Foster Family Regulations
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age.
- May be single or married- must have been married in a legal ceremony or by common law and been in the relationship at least one year.
- Maintain sufficient income to meet the needs of the family, including the foster children.
- Maintain reliable transportation.
Training Requirements
- Applicants must obtain 30 hours of training provided by the approving agency prior to receiving approval to foster.
- Complete 15 hours of in-service training annually after they have been licensed for foster care.
- Complete and maintain CPR certification, including pediatric and infant first-aid/ CPR if seeking approval to foster infants and young children.
Health Requirements
Applicants must obtain a physical exam within the six months prior to licensing to assess their physical and emotional ability to foster parent.
Character and Suitability
All applicants and household members, including anyone who will work with the foster children or otherwise come into contact with the foster children, must be of good moral character.
This will be determined by obtaining the following for each applicant:
- Three references who are unrelated to the applicant
- Finger prints
- A criminal history background check
- Verification of identity
The Family Foster Home
- The home and yard should be kept in a safe, clean and sanitary condition.
- The home and yard should be well maintained, free of hazards, and free of rodent or insect infestation.
- Must have all appropriate utilities: water, electric, gas.
- Separate bedrooms should be provided for children over the age of six who are of the opposite sex.
- An adequate number of bedrooms need to be provided for all persons who reside in the home with adequate space for the foster child’s personal belongings.
Safety Requirements
- A fence shall enclose any play area where there are hazards such as bodies of water, or busy intersections or highways nearby.
- Chemicals, poisons, and medications must be stored in locked storage area.
- Decals need to be placed on all clear glass doors, such as patio or storm doors, and placed at the child’s eye level.
- Guns should be stored unloaded and kept in a locked storage area or safe.
- Smoke alarms should be installed and properly maintained, located no more than 30 feet apart in hallways outside bedrooms, and at the head of the stairways on each level of the home.
- Each bedroom should have a window for escape in the event of a fire.
- Each home should develop an emergency plan for fire and natural disasters. This should then be taught to the foster children according to their ability to understand.
Animals in the Foster Home
- All animals should have current rabies vaccination, if law requires, and documentation kept on file in the home.
- No aggressive animals are allowed.
Discipline Practices
- Use positive reinforcement that rewards good behavior.
- Use of corporal punishment, physical restraint, denial of food or sleep, as well as other such types of punishment are prohibited.
Reference: Minimum Standards for Foster Family Homes, the complete handbook of regulations and requirements for family foster homes in the state of Alabama.
Related Articles:
Resolutions for Foster Parents
Foster Parent Letters to the Judge
The Foster Parent Handbook: A Guide for Alabama’s Foster Parents is a great source for additional information on the duties and expectations of foster parents in Alabama.
