Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find frequently asked questions for general questions, training, licensing and cost.

General

  • There is more to the requirements of becoming a foster parent than can be listed because everyone’s circumstances are different. It is important to fill out the “becoming a foster/adoptive parent” link with the most accurate information so that one of AFS workers can address any issues that might arise. However, some of the general minimum standard requirements are as follows:

    • Over 21

    • Single, divorced, married, or widowed

    • No major life changes or challenges within the past year

    • Financially stable

    • Background checks including electronic fingerprinting

    • Pre-service training

    • Documentation to meet minimum standards and policies

    • Inspections (fire and health)

    • TB test for all members of the home

    • Adequate space

    • Positive home study

    • No physical discipline

  • CPS: Child Protective Services

    DFPS: Department of Family Protective Services

    HHSC: Health and Human Service Commission

    AFS: Anchor Family Services, Inc

  • A bedroom must have at least 40 square feet of space for each occupant and no more than four occupants per bedroom are permitted, even if the square footage of the room would accommodate more than four occupants. Single occupant bedrooms must have at least 80 square feet of floor space. The floor space requirement must not include closets or other alcoves. Floor space must be space that children can use for daily activities.

  • You must be able to pay your own bills and not have deficiency every month after bills are paid. You must be able to provide for the child(ren) placed in your home until the monthly reimbursement start to get paid. Reimbursements take about a month and half before they start to pay. Many children only come with the belongings on them. There are resources available to our foster/adoptive families. However, families must be able to meet the child(ren)s basic needs.

  • This question depends entirely on you. We work as quickly as you do. However, on average it usually takes 4-5 months. Some families take longer because “Hey life happens!”. However, we try to keep you motivated and working towards your goals. Our client portal will help you see where you at and how much farther you have in the process. However, we do need you to complete the process a year from the date of your last in person class or you have to start to the in-person classes again.

  • I have been fingerprinted already. Why do I have to be fingerprinted again?

    Fingerprint requirements are determined by DFPS and the Texas Department of Public Safety, not by Anchor Family Services. Even if you have been fingerprinted previously for employment, volunteering, another license, or a different agency, you may still be required to complete a new fingerprint submission as part of the foster care or adoption licensing process.

    In our experience, unless you have been fingerprinted within the last two years specifically for the role of foster parent or adoptive parent, you will most likely be required to be fingerprinted again. While we occasionally see applicants whose previous fingerprints can be used, approximately 90% of individuals applying to become foster or adoptive parents are required to complete a new fingerprint appointment.

    Unfortunately, Anchor Family Services does not make this determination. We submit the required information to the state, and DFPS will determine whether existing fingerprints can be used or whether a new fingerprint submission is required.

  • The first thing you will need to do is talk to one of our AFS staff. From that conversation they will be able to determine the best course of action. We will need you to complete a release of information form and a transfer form. These two forms allow us to request documentation from your current agency. There will be some forms you have to complete with our agency with our company logo as well some additional trainings. We determine some of this information during our conversation.

  • We absolutely do! We are grateful to any person or family that is willing to provide a loving stable and safe home to a child in need.

  • A home study is a paper about your family. The home study writer will come out to conduct individual as well as group interviews with the family. They will also complete a walk-through of your home. In our client portal, we have a fire, health, and safety guide in the resource section. This is exactly what your home study writer will walk through and look for in and outside the home. After the home study writer comes out, they will type up a document of all the information they have gathered from the walk through, interviews, and paperwork you have turned in. They will advise whether they feel your family is a recommended to become a foster/adoptive home or not.

  • This all depends on the family and the home study writer. Bigger families require more information and interviews, which would take more time. Some of our home study writers like to contact the interviews via online platform and other like to conduct in the house. You can expect anywhere from 1-2 visits with the home study writer being there between 4-5 hours.

  • We request our home study writers to turn the home study in 2 weeks after they have done the walk through and interviews. Once they turn it in there is a review period of about 2 weeks. From there, we will set up a time to complete Orientation and Documentation. That is the final training! If all goes well, you are licensed!!

  • Anchor Family Services is no longer licensing families for adoption-only placements. Our program is designed to serve children currently in foster care, and we expect families who become licensed through our agency to be open to fostering while pursuing their long-term adoption goals.

    Over time, we have found that matched adoptions often take between three and five years to result in a placement. Additionally, many children featured through adoption recruitment efforts have significant emotional, behavioral, developmental, or medical needs that are often best supported by families who have experience caring for children in foster care.

    For these reasons, Anchor Family Services licenses families as foster-to-adopt families rather than adoption-only families. While adoption may ultimately be the goal, we expect families to actively participate in fostering and not simply wait for a child who is legally free for adoption.

    We understand that some families feel strongly that they only wish to adopt and do not want to foster. There are many excellent agencies that specialize in adoption-only licensing, and we encourage those families to pursue a program that is better aligned with their goals and expectations.

    Our goal is to ensure that both children and families are successful by creating clear expectations from the beginning and preparing families to meet the needs of children in foster care while remaining open to future adoption opportunities.

  • If your goal is solely to adopt and you are not interested in fostering, Anchor Family Services may not be the best fit for your family's needs. Our program is designed to support children currently in foster care, and we expect families licensed through our agency to be open to accepting foster placements while pursuing their long-term adoption goals.

    While many of our families ultimately adopt, we do not license families who intend to wait exclusively for a child who is legally free for adoption. We have found that matched adoptions can take several years, and children waiting for adoption often have significant needs that are best supported by families with foster care experience.

    If you are only interested in adoption, we encourage you to explore agencies that specialize in adoption-only licensing. We would be happy to discuss your goals and help you determine whether our foster-to-adopt program or another adoption pathway would be the best fit for your family.

  • We 100% support your decision and right to decide what is best for your family. We understand that many families just want to be a foster family only.

  • AFS does not do private adoptions. AFS only does adoptions through children in DFPS conservatorship.

  • Every case and child is different. When a child is removed from their family, their family is given anywhere from a 1 to 1 ½ years to work services. During that time the child is in a foster home. However, during that time CPS will be looking for family members or fictive kin of the child to place the child with. If the bio family member(s) or fictive kin can pass their background check and home study, the child will most likely be moved to that home.

  • The process is not different for kinship caregivers that want to become a foster/adoptive parent. Whether you are a kinship caregiver or a person that is just interested in becoming a foster parent, the process is the same. However, the benefits of a foster/adoptive home is different than kinship caregivers. One of the differences is that you are related to the child placed with you and we will not be looking to necessarily place other children with you since you already have the child in your care. Another difference between kinship and foster/adoptive caregivers is the monthly reimbursements. Foster parents receive a higher rate of reimbursement as well as access to more services. However, once a kinship caregiver becomes a licensed foster/adoptive home there will be more rules, standards, and paperwork to adhere to.

  • Yes, we do! However, once you approach adoption you will need to discuss how you want to proceed in the adoption process. Unmarried couples will either need to get married, only have one of the parents adopt through DFPS, or obtain a legal document proving the legal link between the couple before the adoption can be finalized.

  • Yes, we do! Single individuals are some of our biggest rockstars in the foster/adopt world.

  • A Note About Pets and Foster Care

    At Anchor Family Services, we love animals and recognize that pets are important members of many families. However, we strongly encourage prospective foster and adoptive families to carefully consider how bringing children into the home may affect their pets.

    Many pets are accustomed to living in a quiet, predictable environment. Children entering foster care often come from difficult circumstances and may display behaviors that are unfamiliar to your pet. They may be energetic, loud, impulsive, excited to interact with animals, or unfamiliar with appropriate boundaries around pets. In most cases, children are not intentionally being aggressive; they simply may not yet have the skills needed to interact safely and respectfully with animals.

    We encourage families to honestly assess their pet's temperament and experiences before becoming licensed. A pet that has only occasional exposure to children or is accustomed to a calm household may struggle with the increased activity, noise, and unpredictability that often comes with fostering. It is important to begin preparing and desensitizing your pet to children, noise, and activity levels well before a child is placed in your home.

    Unfortunately, we have seen situations where families believed their pet would adjust well, only to discover that the pet was experiencing significant stress. In some cases, the safety and well-being of either the child or the animal became a concern, resulting in the child having to be moved to another home. Every time a child is displaced from a foster home, it can contribute to additional trauma and instability.

    For this reason, we ask families to carefully evaluate their pets now and take proactive steps to prepare them for the realities of foster care. Thoughtful planning can help ensure a safe, stable, and successful experience for both the children placed in your home and the animals you love.

  • What are the requirements for pets?

    Anchor Family Services welcomes families with pets. Any animal that is considered a household pet must be non-aggressive, appropriately supervised around children, and current on all required vaccinations. Documentation of vaccinations may be requested during the licensing process.

    In addition to meeting basic health and safety requirements, families should carefully consider whether their pet is temperamentally suited for foster care. Children entering care may be energetic, loud, impulsive, unfamiliar with animal boundaries, or overly excited to interact with pets. Even well-loved pets can become stressed when their environment changes significantly.

    During the home study process, we will discuss all pets residing in the home, their history around children, any previous aggressive behaviors, and how the family plans to ensure the safety of both the children and the animals. Families should be prepared to provide appropriate supervision and, if needed, separate spaces where pets can retreat and decompress.

    Farm animals are generally not considered household pets, but they may still be reviewed during the home assessment to ensure they do not pose a safety concern for children placed in the home.

  • Yes, you can have other household members in your home that do not have to become foster parents as long as they are not your significant other. If a person is married or living with a significant other then both people must become foster or adoptive parents. Any person(s) living in the home that are over the age 14 will need to submit to a background check.

  • Both are allowed but you must follow certain guidelines. Please see the safety guidelines in your resource section of the client portal. You can also access the requirements on the DFPS website in the HHSC Child Placing Agency minimum standards starting at 749.3133

  • Every family that becomes licensed with AFS is required to have one babysitter approved prior to becoming licensed. All babysitters just complete the babysitter form, have CPR/First Aid, complete medication administration and SIDS training, sign Confidentiality and Discipline agreements. Babysitters that are age 18 to 20 will be required to obtain a personal reference. They will also only be approved to watch the child for a set number of hours. Babysitters 21+ will be considered for longer babysitting based on their childcare experience. A babysitter is not considered an everyday childcare provider. If you are wanting someone to watch your child every day this will need to be discussed with AFS to see what steps would need to be followed. Babysitters are infrequent caregivers.

  • What if I have chosen a child on the TARE website?

    If you have identified a child on the TARE website that you would like to be considered for, we encourage you to let us know as early as possible in the licensing process. We can discuss the child's known needs, review whether your family appears to be a good fit, and help you understand the next steps in the inquiry process.

    It is important to understand that being interested in a specific child does not guarantee a match. Most children featured on TARE receive multiple inquiries, and the child's team carefully reviews prospective families to determine which family is best equipped to meet the child's unique needs.

    Additionally, many children listed on TARE have experienced significant trauma and may have emotional, behavioral, developmental, educational, or medical needs that require specialized parenting skills and supports. For this reason, we encourage families to remain open-minded throughout the process.

    Because Anchor Family Services licenses families as foster-to-adopt families rather than adoption-only families, we expect licensed families to be open to fostering while pursuing their adoption goals. If your sole goal is to adopt a specific child and you are not interested in fostering, another agency that specializes in adoption-only licensing may be a better fit for your family's needs.

    We are happy to discuss any child you are interested in and help you determine whether pursuing that match is realistic based on the child's needs, your family's strengths, and the current status of the child's case.

  • The one thing we have seen from this process is that most children in the caregiver’s home handle this process well. However, the best way to prepare a child is having multiple age-appropriate conversations with your children about why you are fostering/adopting.

    Children are compassionate and want to help other children. Yes, there are times they become attached too and might experience sadness. However, most children report this as a positive experience and enjoy their new friends they have in their home.

  • When possible, yes. Pre-placement visits are arranged for long-term or adoptive placements to help ensure a good match and allow time for preparation.

    However, in emergency placements, there is typically not enough time to arrange a visit in advance. In these cases, we will share as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision and prepare your home quickly.

Training

  • Our training sessions take place on two weekends each month, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays. Families select a training month that works for them, and they must attend all four training days (both Saturdays and both Sundays) within that same month.

    Please note:
    You cannot mix and match training dates from different months. All four sessions must be completed within the same training group to ensure consistency and completion of required topics.

    If you are unable to commit to all four training days in a given month, we’ll be happy to help you choose a different month that better fits your schedule.

  • We ask that you do not sign up for a training group unless you can make every training. We know that illness can happen, and we can work to accommodate that situation but it would be hard to accommodate every person schedule and would make the trainings not fluid. Each training builds on the next and it can be hard to miss the information. We know giving up weekends can be hard, but we promise these trainings are full of information that is valuable. We strive to make the enjoyable and dare we say fun!

  • Possibly. All caregivers are required to have current CPR and First Aid certification that meets foster care licensing requirements. If you are already certified, Anchor Family Services will review your certificate to determine whether it meets the required standards.

    CPR certification must cover infants through adults and cannot be completed online only. You must attend an in-person skills session and demonstrate CPR in front of a certified instructor. This is required regardless of the age range you plan to accept.

    First Aid may be completed online; however, the certificate must clearly state that it covers pediatrics through adults, or include equivalent language. If your certificate does not clearly state pediatric First Aid was included, you will need to obtain written confirmation from the instructor or training provider.

    All instructors must be certified through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. BLS certification does not include First Aid, so if you completed a BLS course, you will still need to complete a separate First Aid certification that meets these requirements.

    We do not maintain a list of approved classes. Families are responsible for locating a class in their local area and confirming directly with the instructor or training provider that all required components are included before enrolling. You may reference the American Red Cross or American Heart Association websites when searching for courses.

  • After you are licensed, you will have yearly training requirements to complete throughout the year. Many of them will be the online trainings you completed to become licensed. Others will be to make sure that you are receiving the most up to date information to help you be the best foster/adopt parent. For families that are providing childcare services only 10 hours is required for both foster/adopt parents. For therapeutic/treatment foster/adoptive homes 25 hours is required for each foster/adopt parent. There will also be times that DFPS and HHSC will implement trainings that have to be completed throughout the year. Training is a big part of this journey.

  • Partially. During the licensing process, families are required to complete both online training and Pre-Service Training. Pre-Service Training is a required component of becoming licensed and must be completed as part of the licensing process.

    Once licensed, caregivers are required to complete annual training hours to maintain compliance with Minimum Standards. While many of these annual training hours can be completed online, state requirements limit the amount of self-paced training that may be used. At least 20% of the required annual training hours must be instructor-led and include opportunities for interaction, discussion, and questions and answers with the trainer.

    To help caregivers meet this requirement, Anchor Family Services offers two mandatory in-person training weekends each year. Caregivers are required to attend at least one of these training weekends. Attendance is mandatory and is considered part of maintaining compliance with training requirements.

    Failure to attend a required in-person training opportunity may result in the caregiver being considered out of compliance with agency and licensing requirements. We encourage caregivers to plan ahead and reserve the dates as soon as training schedules are announced.

Licensed

  • Foster parents receive a daily reimbursement to help offset the costs associated with caring for a child placed in their home. The amount varies depending on factors such as the child's age, service level, and placement type.

    It is important to understand that foster care reimbursement is not considered income. The funds are intended to help meet the needs of the child and cover expenses related to their care. Because reimbursement is not considered income, Anchor Family Services cannot provide employment verification letters, proof-of-income letters, or other documentation stating how much a family receives in foster care reimbursements for purposes such as loans, housing applications, or income verification.

    Families should not rely on foster care reimbursements as a source of income and must be able to financially support their household independently of any foster care payments.

    Specific reimbursement rates will be discussed during the licensing process and at the time a placement is considered.

  • There is no way to accurately predict how long it will take to receive a placement after becoming licensed. Some families receive placement calls within days of licensure, while others may wait weeks or even months.

    The timing depends on many factors, including the age range, gender, number of children, behaviors, medical needs, and other characteristics a family is willing and prepared to accept. Generally, families who are open to a wider range of placements tend to receive calls more quickly than families with very narrow preferences.

    It is also important to understand that becoming licensed does not guarantee an immediate placement. Placement decisions are based on the needs of the child and finding the best match for both the child and the family.

    Families should be prepared for placement calls to come at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. We encourage families to use the waiting period to continue preparing their home, building support systems, and learning more about the needs of children in foster care.

    While we cannot guarantee a timeframe, our team works diligently to identify appropriate placement opportunities and support families throughout the process.

  • Yes of course and it is encouraged.  Nothing makes a child feel like they are not part of the family than to be left behind while everyone else goes on the family vacation. Children in CPS care cannot leave the country.  You will also need to submit the request to the court at least 2 weeks prior to the travel. However, we recommended to submit as soon as you know you are going to travel.  The court is the one that makes the final approval, but AFS and CPS will need to know as well. 

  • We will never force you to take a placement.  We want a good placement for all and when the placement is forced it is not starting off on the right foot.  There might be times we call you because we feel that even though the child is outside of the perimeters you have, we feel it is still a good option.  You always have the option to say no. 

  • Home studies are scheduled after all training and paperwork are 100% complete

  • IWhat happens if a placement isn't a good fit?

    At Anchor Family Services, we understand that not every placement unfolds exactly as expected. However, we also ask families to remember that there is almost always an adjustment period when a child enters a new home. Children entering foster care have often experienced significant trauma, instability, loss, and uncertainty. Some children come from environments with extremely harsh parenting, while others have experienced little to no parenting, supervision, or structure. As a result, behaviors are not likely to improve quickly, even in the most loving and supportive home.

    It takes time for children to build trust, learn new expectations, and respond to services and interventions. Families should expect challenges during the transition period and understand that therapy, behavior interventions, and other supports typically require time before meaningful progress is seen. We encourage families to remain patient, communicate concerns early, and allow services the opportunity to work whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

    If concerns arise, we encourage families to contact their case manager as soon as possible. Many difficulties can be addressed through additional support, training, respite, therapy, behavior management strategies, or other services designed to strengthen the placement.

    If a family ultimately determines they can no longer meet a child's needs and requests that the child be moved, the process does not happen immediately. In most situations, a 30-day discharge notice is required. Families should be prepared for the child to remain in their home for the full 30-day period while the child's team identifies and evaluates the next placement.

    The child's team has a responsibility to carefully assess potential homes to reduce the likelihood of another disruption. Because every move can be traumatic for a child, placement staff must take the time necessary to identify a family that is well-equipped to meet the child's needs. As a result, families should not expect a child to be moved immediately after submitting a discharge notice.

    If a family reaches the point of requesting a discharge, they should immediately begin working with their support team to develop a plan for successfully managing the placement during the transition period. This may include increased communication with the case manager, additional services, respite opportunities, enhanced supervision strategies, and other supports to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the home.

    It is important for families to understand that they remain responsible for the child's care and supervision until an authorized move occurs. Foster parents may not drop a child off at an unauthorized location or transfer responsibility for the child to another individual without approval. Doing so may be considered child abandonment and could result in licensing action, legal consequences, and potential criminal prosecution.

    Our goal is always to support children and families in achieving successful placements while minimizing additional trauma and instability for the children entrusted to our care.

  • Anchor Family Services is committed to walking alongside you throughout your fostering or adoption journey. Once you’re licensed, you’ll receive ongoing support, including:

    • A dedicated case manager who visits your home regularly and is available for guidance and questions.

    • 24/7 on-call support for emergencies or urgent needs.

    • Monthly check-ins to monitor the child’s well-being and support your home.

    • Access to respite care when you need a break.

    • Ongoing training opportunities to help you grow in your parenting skills and stay current with licensing requirements.

    • Connection to local resources, such as WIC, clothing donations, therapy referrals, and more.

    • Support with school, medical, and behavioral coordination as needed.

Cost 

  • Many of the adoptions through DFPS qualify for assistance with adoption cost.  Most children over the age of six, a minority, or part of a sibling group will qualify for assistance with adoption cost.  Those that do not are usually around $1500-$3000 depending on which attorney you use for the adoption. 

  • What is the cost of becoming a foster/adoptive parent?

    Anchor Family Services does not charge a fee to become licensed as a foster or foster-to-adopt family. However, families should expect some out-of-pocket expenses during the licensing process.

    Common expenses may include fingerprinting, CPR/First Aid certification, obtaining copies of personal documents, pet vaccinations or veterinary records, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, locking medication storage, home safety items, and any repairs or modifications needed to bring the home into compliance with licensing standards.

    It is important to note that any fees associated with fingerprinting, CPR/First Aid certification, or other required services are paid directly to the vendor providing the service, not to Anchor Family Services.

    The amount each family spends varies significantly depending on their current circumstances. Some families may already have many of the required items, while others may need to make additional purchases or home modifications.

    If a family ultimately adopts a child, there may be legal fees associated with the adoption process, such as attorney fees or court-related expenses. These costs vary depending on the circumstances of the adoption.

    Families must also demonstrate financial stability and be able to meet their household's financial obligations without relying on foster care reimbursement payments. Foster care reimbursement is intended to help offset the cost of caring for a child and is not considered income.

    Your licensing worker will help you understand any anticipated expenses based on your individual situation and home environment.

  • We do not charge for a home study for anyone that works towards becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent with AFS.