In the state of Nebraska, there are nearly 3,000 youth currently in foster care. Many of them have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges and need a safe, loving home. You have an opportunity to show the love, support and care they deserve while growing emotionally, mentally and spiritually – and also teach life skills. Start your foster parenting journey and read this article to learn more about the steps to become a foster parent in Nebraska.

Our foster families care for youth until they can either safely return home or another permanency plan can be determined. The choice to become a foster parent/family is a big deal and a life adjustment. And comes with a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions about what it means to become a foster parent.

Help children and teens in your community. Learn more about becoming a foster parent today!

Q: Can I be a foster parent?

People from all different backgrounds and walks of life can become foster or adoptive parents in the state of Nebraska. We have foster parents who are married, single, of all sexual orientations, live in a house or apartment, and who have children of their own or no children of their own. However, Nebraska has requirements for fostering a child or teen that must be met. You must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be employed and/or have a reliable source of income.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable form of transportation.
• Undergo and pass a complete background check. This requirement applies to anyone living in your home over the age of 13. (NOTE: These household members are not required to complete the training but must undergo and pass a background check.)
• You must have one designated bedroom for youth. A child can share a bedroom with your own children based on the age/sex of the child. If you currently reside in a one-bedroom home or apartment, unfortunately, you wouldn’t qualify at this time.
• Complete foster care parent training. (NOTE: If you are married, both partners must complete the training. We also encourage anyone else in the home who plans to have a caregiver role to participate.)
• Meet all licensing regulations required by the state of Nebraska.

Q: What can I expect from the foster parent training?

In order to become a foster care parent, you must become TIPS-MAPP (Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanency – Model Approach for Partnerships in Parenting) certified. That involves taking and completing a 10-week course. Each class is mandatory for all adults who will have a parenting role in a foster home. Throughout the course of training, our class leaders will also come to your home to complete home consultations.

This training course is free of charge and designed to help you build the strengths and skills necessary for parenting children who have experienced abuse and neglect and who may have behavioral, emotional, physical or educational challenges. We’ll also teach you how to work in partnership with the child’s biological family and support the child returning safely home. In addition to TIPS-MAPP, DHHS requires other trainings, some of which are self-paced via Canvas, while others are integrated into the 10-week course. These classes also provide a chance for you to learn together with other prospective foster families and build a support network.

Q: Do I need to be licensed? 

Yes, you must be licensed to provide ongoing care for youth in foster care. While taking the TIPS-MAPP training, you will also complete the paperwork for licensure. KVC will assign you a Licensing Specialist and they will:

• Guide you through the licensing paperwork
• Complete a walk-through of your home
• Conduct a home study

Once those steps are complete, the Licensing Specialist will put together a portfolio for review and approval by the state. Once the state approves your license, you will be eligible to start supporting your first placement of a child or teen in need.

Q: Can I just take the training courses?

In order to start supporting youth in your home, you must complete the training course to become certified, and then complete the licensing process as determined by the state of Nebraska.

Q: How often will I have to renew my license?

Your license lasts for two years and then it will be up for renewal.

Q: I am certified through another agency, but not licensed. What do I do?

If within the last year, you have completed the certification requirements through another agency, we can work with you to become licensed through KVC. You must meet KVC’s criteria to be considered. Contact us with any questions.

Q: What age group is in most need of placement right now?

We are actively recruiting families to care for youth of all ages! However, we receive the most referrals for younger children (ages 3-18), siblings and teens. While infants do occasionally come into care, the greatest need is for families ready to support preschool-age children, school-age youth and teenagers.

Q: I’m certified, licensed and ready for my first placement. What more do I need to know?

Congratulations! We encourage you to read our blog post, “7 Questions Foster Parents Have About Their First Placement” to learn more. You can also ask your dedicated Foster Care Specialist any additional questions.

Q: I have more questions.

Please visit our FAQ page to learn more and get additional information. You can also contact us by filling out this form.

Are you ready to positively impact the life of a child or teen in your community? Click here to get started!