Applying as a foster parent, aptitude test

If you are interested in taking in a foster child, the responsible youth welfare office is the right point of contact. There are information events and the possibility of a personal consultation with a foster care specialist.

Once the decision has been made to take in a foster child, the application is made. This application procedure is a process. It can take several months. During this time, specialists are available for discussions and clarify with the applicants which child could fit into their family and which tasks they feel up to. Many foster care services offer preparatory seminars. This allows the placement agencies to get an idea of the potential foster parents/carers.

Home visits by the foster care service to the potential foster parents/carers also take place so that the specialist can get an idea of the environment in which a foster child could be placed. The placement agencies also expect openness in areas such as family life, world view and educational goals.

If you are recognized as a foster parent/carer, you will receive information about the foster child, their history and the biological parents before taking in a foster child and make the decision about taking in the child together with the parents and the foster children's service.

As a rule, you and your youth welfare office will conclude a written foster care contract that contains the rights and obligations of the contractual partners.

If you are interested in taking in a foreign child into your family, please contact the youth welfare office of the district or city responsible for your place of residence.

Responsibility lies with the youth welfare office (foster care service)

• Married couples, couples or single people with or without children can apply to take in a foster child.
• In order to be able to take in a foster child, the emotional stability of the child must be ensured.
• Another requirement for foster parents is financial security. The apartment or house should also be large enough.
• To apply, you will need a police clearance certificate and a health certificate.
• Foster parents or carers should also have a high level of resilience due to the often problematic home situation.
• Foster parents or foster carers must be willing to cooperate with the youth welfare office and the family of origin for the benefit of the child.

• Certificate of good conduct
• Medical certificate or health certificate
• Information about your income situation

There are no fees.

There are no deadlines to be observed.

• § Section 44 Social Code - Eighth Book (SGB VIII)

27.05.2021