Idaho Foster Parent

Becoming a foster parent is a big decision and most people have many questions.

What does a Foster Parent do?

Foster parents provide safe, loving, temporary care for children whose parents cannot safely meet their needs.

The majority of children or youth who cannot be safely reunified with their parents/guardian will achieve permanency through their relative, kinship family or foster parent.

Who can be a Foster Parent?

Foster parents are as varied as the children needing homes. Successful foster parents are everyday people from all races, religions, incomes and educational backgrounds.

Being a Foster Parent requires a license from the State of Idaho. First you submit an application. Then a licensing worker will reach out to you to go over the next steps.

What assistance is available to Foster Parents?

• Financial assistance – Foster parents are reimbursed for the cost of caring for each child based on the foster care room and board rate according to that child’s age.
• Healthcare coverage – Children in foster care are covered under the Idaho Medicaid program. You will not need to apply for Medicaid on behalf of foster children. That is handled by the social worker.
• Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport – The program gives foster families annual park passes for free entry into all 30 Idaho state parks.

For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Foster Parents website.