Information Packet - Steps to Becoming a Foster/Adoptive Parent

The first step is to complete an initial consultation with a UFCF representative. This process will help determine how you can best help Utah’s children in foster care. Call UFCF at (801) 994-5205 or toll free at (877) 505-KIDS to arrange for your initial consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form. A UFCF representative will come to your home and meet with you and your spouse, if you are married.

After the initial consultation, you may be invited to attend pre-service training. The training consists of 8 classes (32 hours) of critical child welfare information, and is usually taught on weekday evenings from 5:30-9:30 pm. Following licensure, foster/adoptive parents will need to complete at least 12 hours of in-service training per year, to maintain their license. CPR and first aid training is strongly recommended for all foster/adoptive parents.

An application from the State Office of Licensing will be given to those families who are invited to attend the pre-service training. It will need to be completed and turned in to your pre-service trainer. The application includes the following required information.

Medical Information: Take this form to your doctor. Your physician should mail or fax it directly to the State Office of Licensing.

Reference Letters: Applicants will need to submit the names of four references (three of which cannot be relatives). You will list these names on your application form and the State Office of Licensing will contact them.

Child Abuse Data Base Screening/Criminal Background Screening Release Form; All persons over the age of 18 living in the home must submit a signed release form, a copy of a driver’s license or government issued ID, and a copy of a social security card. Licensure may be denied based upon results of an applicant’s criminal background check.

Following training and a completed application, a Resource Family Assessment (Home Study) will be completed by a representative from the State Office of Licensing. A licensor will visit you at your home and prepare a social history as well as a health and safety check.

Other Information Packet Pages:

The Requirements

The Rewards

Adopting from Foster Care

FAQ

Financial Information

What the Three Agencies Do

Toll-free 1-877-505-KIDS
or 1-801-994-5205
moreinfo@utahfostercare.org