Suitability test for interested foster parents

Would you like to take in a foster child? Then you must first qualify as a foster parent.

In order to be allowed to take in a foster child, foster carers require a permit in certain cases in accordance with §44 SGB VIII. An application and qualification process is required to obtain the permit. A permit in accordance with Section 44 SGB VIII is not required for placement as a foster carer within the framework of educational assistance provided by the youth welfare office. However, the youth welfare office or the foster children's service checks the suitability of foster carers according to the same criteria.

The task of integrating a child who is initially a stranger into one's own family, to make it feel at home in one's own family in the long term or permanently, to support and educate it, is a demanding task.
The high demands placed on foster parents must not and should not be met by them alone. Rather, the foster family is part of a supportive network that has pedagogical knowledge, methodological expertise and many years of experience.
Foster carers have completed the qualifying courses offered by the Foster Children's Service before starting their work.

The decisive factor for accepting a child into general full-time care is a match between the child's needs and the caregivers' existing skills and resources. A professional qualification in a nursing or educational profession is not expected of caregivers in this form of assistance.

However, a professional or semi-professional background is expected for the admission of a child with special educational needs. In this context, semi-professional means, for example, the previous care of a foster child over a period of
of a foster child over a period of at least two years or many years of looking after and supporting children and young people on a voluntary basis.

Foster parents can be couples with or without children of their own as well as individuals with a stable social network.

Foster care service at the youth welfare office

Please contact the foster children's service at the youth welfare office in the responsible district or the responsible independent city or special status city.

You can find out which documents you need from your local specialist foster care service.

Normally you will need, among other things

• extended certificate of good conduct
• medical certificate
• Life report (with information about your own childhood, life situation, motivation)
• proof of income
• Any other documents required by the youth welfare office
  

According to Section 44 Para. 2 SGB VIII, the prerequisite for granting a care permit is that the welfare of the child is guaranteed in the care facility. The caregiver must therefore be suitable to ensure the welfare of the child in order to receive the care permit. When assessing suitability, the characteristics of the caregiver and the needs of the child must be examined in each individual case. A sense of responsibility, willingness to help, interest in the child, ability to bond, etc. all speak for suitability. In addition, there should be an age difference between the foster carer and the foster child that corresponds to the natural parent-child relationship and sufficient living space should be available.

Interested applicants should contact the foster children's service at the youth welfare office in the relevant local district or independent city or special state authority. They can obtain information there.

They can take part in information events without having to commit to anything.

They must first qualify for the aptitude test by attending appropriate courses.

They must also submit an application. They can also do this via the online service using the "Become a foster parent" form.

It is also possible to contact the local foster care service via the online service first.

It is not possible to obtain a permit as a foster carer in accordance with Section 44 SGB VIII without an intensive application and qualification process. Submitting the application form does not lead to obtaining the permit.

There is no deadline.

Costs may be incurred.