Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT?

• You must complete 40 hours of training (which YHI will provide for you, free of charge)
• You must be 21 years of age or older
• You must be a legal resident of the United States
• You must have a high-school degree or the equivalent
• You must be confident that a background check will not show any substantiated abuse or neglect charges or any felony convictions.
• You and all members of your household must be willing to submit to a thorough evaluation of your home.

CAN I CHOOSE THE AGE OF THE CHILD?
Yes. Though we primarily work w/children and adolescents aged 8-18, we occasionally service infants and toddlers, or teen mothers and their babies.

DO I HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY?
Most of our foster parents are residents of Mecklenburg County; however we do license some foster parents in surrounding counties.

ARE FOSTER PARENTS PAID TO CARE FOR A CHILD?
A monthly check is provided to offset the cost of everyday expenses related to the care of the child.

DO I HAVE TO BE MARRIED TO BE A FOSTER PARENT?
No. You can be single and be a foster parent. If married or living together, both adults must be trained and licensed.

DO I NEED TO OWN MY OWN HOME?
No. Whether you stay in a home or an apartment you must have adequate living space for an additional child.

CAN I BE EMPLOYED AND BE A FOSTER PARENT?
Yes. You must be able to show us you have an adequate income to meet your family’s need. It’s also important that your job allow you the flexibility to meet the special needs of our children.

CAN I HAVE A CHILD IN MY HOME ON A PART-TIME BASIS?
Yes. There is a great need for weekend care providers, which is called Respite. You still must go through the required 40 hours of training and licensure to become a foster parent.

CAN I RUN A DAY CARE OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IN MY HOME AND BE A FOSTER PARENT?
YHI abides by a policy that prohibits our foster parents from operating an in-home daycare or after school program to avoid potential conflict of interest situations.