Application Process

Understanding the Licensing Process
The period of time to become licensed foster parent(s) may vary between four to six months depending on the completion and submission of paperwork, training and assessments.  The following is to be used as a reference when involved in the licensing process:

• Applicant/applicants will review requirements to ensure eligibility, then will complete a pre-application and send it to the nearest Buckner office. Click here to request an information packet and pre-application.

• Buckner will contact applicant/applicants on the status of their inquiry and will request the applicant/applicants complete a formal application.

• If the application is approved, Buckner will contact the applicant to schedule an on-campus interview

• Enroll and attend P.R.I.D.E Training - 6 modules (18 hours total)  

• FBI background check or Fingerprinting

• Enroll in additional training classes, which include 8 hours of CPR and First Aid, 3 hours of medication and 12 hours or behaviour modification

• Participate in home study, interviews, and assessments  

• On-going assessments will determine the care level and number of children for which the applicant/applicants can be licensed  

• P.R.I.D.E. courses are completed and the necessary documents are processed  

• Licensing of the applicant/applicants  

• Child/children are placed with foster family (your wait for placement may vary)

• On-going home visits and support   

• Continuous specialized training is provided

Buckner has adopted the Foster Care P.R.I.D.E. curriculum (Parent Resources for Information Development and Education) developed by the Child Welfare League of America as the orientation and assessment model for foster parent applicants.

In addition, other orientation and training materials will be made available to care for the specialized needs of children Buckner serves. All applicants for foster care must participate in six modules of a pre-services training (18 hours) designed for prospective foster parents.

During the course of the training modules, home visits and interviews with all family members will be conducted by Buckner staff as part of the assessment process and mandate by the Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.