The approval process can be long . Caring for a troubled youth can be difficult . . . It requires an emotional investment. For people who are up to the challenge though, providing stability, authority and care for a youth is tremendously rewarding. As Foster Parents, they provide general care and supervision.
Youth attend school and receive counseling while living with their foster parents.
However, Foster Parents are not the youth's legal guardian, that responsibility goes to the Department of Juvenile Justice. If you or someone who know is over 21 years old and would like to open your home and heart to a youth, Maryland law requires the following steps in order to become a certified as a Foster Parent. Once you complete the application, an employee will meet you for an interview and home visit. We obtain a medical certification from your doctor confirming that your family has no medical problems that would adversely affect a youth. Lastly, a fire and health inspection is made of your home and copies of your homeowners or rental insurance policies are obtained.