become a foster parent

At PYACS, we believe the people who care for us and the homes we share make a meaningful difference in our lives. We thoughtfully match each person with a supportive home, recognizing that every person deserves dignity, kindness, patience, and a place to belong. 

• Foster Parents may be single or legally married aged 21 or older.  Couples who are not legally married are unable to be licensed.  
• Foster Parents can own or rent their homes.  
• Foster Parents and any persons aged 11 and older living in the home must pass a background check investigation.
• Foster Parents must be US citizens or legal residents.
• Foster Parents need to be financially stable and able to support their family without relying on the foster care reimbursement.  (Income verification will be requested via form of W2 or paycheck stubs)   
• Foster parents need to be healthy to care for a child(ren), as determined by their own medical provider.
• Foster Parents must have a vehicle with vehicle insurance.

To become a foster parent it can take 1 to 8 weeks. That depends on you! In that time you will begin the learning and licensing process of foster parenting.

Begin process which includes; 

1. Call our Office at 801-474-2500, 
2. Complete an Application and Phone Interview,
3. Background Check Investigation (All youth 11+ and adults 18+ older),
4. Begin your "Process of Becoming a Professional Parent" checklist,
5. Begin Pre-Service and Policies and Procedures Training, 
6. Schedule First Aid/CPR Training,
7. Schedule Home Study Assessment  
8. Complete a Home Safety Inspection,
9. Complete Orientation with Program Coordinator. 

At first, this process can be challenging and very frustrating. This process is for the best interest of the people we serve. When you join our company, you and your home are prepared.  

A Home Study is an intensive narrative assessment for the benefit of the child, not the foster parents.  It is performed to ensure that you would be capable and appropriate to supervise and care for the child's mental health, physical, emotional and developmental needs. Be prepared to walk through your life from birth to your current situation. 

A Safety Inspection ensures that the home is safe and free from hazards.  You will be given a Safety Inspection Checklist as part of your "Things to Do While Waiting for Your BCI" checklist that instructs you how to comply with the safety inspection.