Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements below to become approved foster parents. Some regions may have additional requirements based on regional placement needs.

• At least 21 years of age
• Legal resident of Tennessee for a minimum of 3 consecutive months prior to application
• United States citizen or be approved by the United States Citizen and Immigration Service as a Legal Permanent Resident
• All adult household members must pass a criminal background check
• Applicants must be able to effective communicate with DCS, the child(ren), health care and service providers
• At least one applicant in the home must be able to read
• Provide documentation of sufficient income or resources to meet household needs
• All pets must be vaccinated
• All household members who will be caregivers of children eighteen (18) months or younger must have up-to-date pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine and influenza vaccine; exceptions may be granted
• Applicants and their guests will not smoke, vape, or use other forms of e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco inside the home or during transportation of a child in foster care
• A house, mobile home, housing unit, or apartment must be safe and in a reasonable state of repair within community standards
• No more than 2 children may share a sleeping room. If it becomes necessary for more than 2 children to share a sleeping room, exceptions may be granted in writing by the Team Leader or Contract Agency Supervisor
• Children 3 years of age or older may not share the bedroom of the foster parent(s) except for brief periods of illness or emotional distress
• Siblings of the opposite sex who are 4 years and younger may share a sleeping room
• Children of the opposite sex over the age of 4 years must have separate sleeping rooms
• Willing to mentor birth parents, transport children, and participate in Child and Family Team Meetings, court hearings, and other meetings
• Complete all training requirements
• Submit all required Home Study forms.

Applicants who meet the above requirements are eligible regardless of gender, race, color, or national origin.

View Policy 16.4: Foster Home Selection and Approval