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Requirements for Becoming a Foster Parent in Michigan

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age can apply to become a foster parent. Potential applicants are individuals, couples or families who are able to:
  • Work with the child’s birth parents
  • Be supportive of efforts to return the child home
  • Work with children who may have significant emotional and behavioral challenges
  • Encourage teens toward independent living
  • Provide three acceptable references
  • Attend training pertinent to foster care issues

Can I Be a Foster Parent?

How old do you have to be to become a foster parent?
Is there an age limit?

A Wellspring foster parent must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit.

Can a single person be a foster parent?
A single person can be a Wellspring foster parent. In fact, a person can be single, divorced or married. A foster parent can already have kids of their own or have no kids at all.
How many foster children will I have at one time?
This actually depends on how many children your home is licensed for and whether you are willing to accept sibling groups. This is something you will talk through with a Wellspring case worker.
Can you work and be a foster parent?
You can work full-time, part-time or not at all and still be a Wellspring foster parent. The important thing to consider is whether or not your job is flexible enough that you can make sure the child in your care will be able to make it to all of his or her scheduled appointments.
Are there foster parent income requirements?
There are not specific income requirements to be a Wellspring foster parent.
Do I have to be Christian or Lutheran to work with Wellspring?
Wellspring works with people of all faiths and backgrounds. A Wellspring foster parent does not have to be Lutheran or Christian.

Foster Care Training

Wellspring is committed to excellence, which means training is an important part of everything we do. Not only do we hire highly trained social workers, but we believe ongoing education for our foster parents is the key to success. Outside of the required training to become a licensed foster parent in Michigan, we also provide a wide variety of resources that are available to you throughout the year.

Wellspring makes this easy and accessible for you, because not all days are 8-5. We have a customized foster parent-friendly online portal that is available whenever you are. This is a central location where you can go online and access all of the information you need – when you need it. If the materials and training aren’t enough, we always have a way for you to contact us so your questions can be answered.

Becoming A Foster Parent

Let Hope Flow Through You.

We need foster parents. Schedule your orientation today.

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