Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding venture. You get to take care of children who are not used to having a positive, consistent influence in their lives, and you get the reward of helping another person grow.

While foster parenting is a fine goal, the process to become a foster parent isn't easy. If you want to become a foster parent, here are a few things you can expect during the foster care licensing process:

Background Check

A background check will be done on you and all the members living in your household, including adult family members who are living with you or for whom you care. Certain restrictions will apply for foster parenting if you or someone in your family has a history of domestic violence or child molestation or other violent charges.

Part of a background check may include drug testing or testing of your mental and physical capabilities. If you currently have children, they may be interviewed as part of the process to become a foster family to ensure everyone in your home is a good fit for this process.

Classes

Though taking classes may not be a definite requirement in order to become a foster parent, it's a good idea to know what you are getting into before you invite your first foster child into your home. If you don't have children then taking foster parenting classes is particularly important, since you may not have the experience to know how to raise an adolescent healthily for everyone involved.

Part of the classes you can take revolve around the legal aspect of the application process. You will learn why you have to apply to become a foster parent, what qualifications can help you be a better candidate for the job, and other information such as claiming a foster child on your taxes or enrolling a foster child in school.

Counseling

It's wise to see a counselor alone or with a potential foster child so you can get to know your new child in a healthy, professional environment. Your foster child may come from a violent or drug-affected family, and you will need to know how to handle the many emotional and physical traumas your foster child has gone through. Your counselor will give you advice for how to raise your child and may recommend continuing therapy even after the child moves into your home. With the right knowledge, you can become a foster parent successfully.