That person's job is to decide, with you, if foster care is a good plan for your family and, if so, how you can best help foster children. The representative will also give you an application and a medical form to have filled out for each member of your family. Because the law requires that an FBI criminal background check be run on all applicants, you will be fingerprinted. In addition, references you provide will be contacted. While these checks are being run, you will attend training classes to help prepare you for your future role.
Many foster parents work directly with a state or governmental agency.
Many states and provinces contract with private agencies to provide foster care. In turn, the private agency ususally provides training and direct supervision of the children placed in its care. There are advantages and disadvantages to both arrangements. The best recommendation is to talk to foster parents who work with both. Ask your local state or provincial foster care office for the name and number of the foster parent association in your area.