Ready to explore foster care or adoption?
On behalf of Iowa’s kids, thank you!
There are three paths you can take moving forward—you don’t have to choose yet because the process is the same for all three.
1
Licensed
for foster care
2
Licensed for foster care
& approved for adoption
3
Approved
for adoption only
We’ll help you choose what’s right for you as you go along.
Your process
It usually takes about 4-5 months to complete this process. You’ll need to:
- Fill out an online inquiry form (click here)
- Four Oaks will contact you within 5 business days by phone/text to explain the process, answer questions, and assist with scheduling an orientation.
- Complete an Orientation for Prospective Foster/Adoptive Parents online or by phone (click here to select a date/time)
- Four Oaks will follow up with you to schedule an in-person meeting to go over your application packet, explain the background check process, and discuss pre-service training to reserve you a spot for class.
- Once background checks are completed, Four Oaks will contact you to confirm your spot for pre-service training and introduce you to your Caseworker who will be conducting your home study.
- Attend a six-week series of pre-service training.
- Before completing pre-service training and the home study process, you will need to complete Mandatory Reporter Training (Click here for training instructions) If you already have this training completed, please review and give certificates to your Caseworker as you may not need to redo them.
- Upon completion of your home study by your Caseworker, it will be submitted to HHS for final approval of a foster care license and/or adoption approval.