Characteristics of Foster and Adoptive Families

Following are typical characteristics of families that provide foster care, or adopt children:

• Be competent adults with a demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making. Their integrity and conduct shall be above reproach, especially as regards to their role as foster caregivers.
• Be willing to be a team member with the agency in establishing and carrying out agency goals for the child.
• Possess skills necessary to live amiably as a family group.
• Have the character and personality to give care to children.
• Accept and respect each child as an individual.
• Be kind and friendly.
• Have knowledge and understanding of childcare and problems of children.
• Be flexible in their approaches to childcare.
• Participate in and effectively apply training as required.
• Be prepared to serve as an appropriate role model for foster children and their parents.
• Present a positive image to the community.
• Maintain good community relationships.

Following are some general application and legal requirements to being a foster or adoptive parent:

• Provide the name, address and phone number of seven references.
• Applicants and persons 18 years and over living in the home must be able to pass a criminal background screening as well as a child abuse database screening.
• No one living in the home may have a prior felony record or record of any misdemeanors involving any sexual offenses, pornography, prostitution, domestic violence, or child abuse.
• Must be able to meet standards established by Licensing (Home Study).
• Verification of stable income, sufficient to meet the needs of the family.
• Foster Parents shall keep confidential information shared by the agency and shall sign a statement of confidentiality at the time of licensure.
• Foster Parents shall provide routine transportation. Drivers shall have a valid Nevada Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance.
• Foster Parents may not use corporal (physical) punishment.
• Patience and ability to make a commitment to children in need.

In addition, issuance of a foster or adoptive license is dependent upon the completion of a successful homestudy by a licensing worker.  These are the general requirements as to the necessary condition of the home:

• The home must be free from health and fire hazards and must have a working smoke detector on each floor and at least one approved fire extinguisher.
• Each child in foster care must have a separate bed. Children of the same sex under the age of five may share a room.
• Square footage requirement of 200 square feet per person, including foster family must be met.
• The home shall have a telephone.
• The home shall have an adequately supplied first aid kit. Medications must be kept in locked storage.
• Firearms and ammunition must be securely locked separately from one another.
• Foster Parents shall have a written plan of action for emergencies and disasters.
• Foster Parents shall not be licensed to provide both daycare and foster care at the same time.