How do I apply for a foster home license?

Wolverine works with the State of Michigan to license foster parents in their own homes. The first step is to call (888) 625-8669 or send the inquiry form on this page and ask for foster home information. We will invite you to a virtual orientation.

When do I need a license?

You need a foster home license to care for an unrelated minor for more than 10 consecutive days. You may also be licensed for a related child if the child is a court or state ward and you want to receive foster care payments.

What are the qualifications?

You can be single, married, or separated, and related or unrelated to the child. You must be financially stable and able to show proof of income and current utility bills, have an approved living situation (apartment, house, flat, or mobile home), pass criminal and protective services clearances, and complete orientation, PRIDE foster parent training, and CPR and First Aid.

What should I expect during the process?

Every applicant attends orientation. We run police clearances and a child protective services history check on all adults in the home, and every household member provides a medical statement and TB test. After fingerprint results and paperwork are complete, Wolverine conducts a comprehensive home study to confirm compliance with foster home rules. Most families are licensed in 6 to 9 months.

Is there a guarantee children will be placed with me?

No. A license makes placement possible, but placements depend on the children who need care, bed availability in your community, and your home's placement specifications.

I am mainly interested in adopting. Should I still get a foster license?

Most children return to their birth families, but when parental rights are terminated, foster parents frequently adopt the children in their care. If you are primarily interested in adopting a healthy newborn, contact our adoption team directly.

I home-school my own children. Is that a problem?

No. You may continue to home-school your birth children. Foster children must attend a regular public or private school.

I rent. Can I still foster?

Yes. You do not need to own your home. Check with your landlord first.

Does each foster child need their own bedroom?

No. A foster child may share a room with foster parents until age three, with children of the opposite sex until one child turns five, and with same-sex children at five and older. Everyone except the foster parents needs their own bed.

Do I have a say in the types of children placed with me?

Yes. Your assessment asks about your preferences. The final recommendation is based on your preferences, skills, abilities, and space.

What will be expected of me?

Work with Wolverine to meet the needs of the children in your care, complete training before licensure and annually for each person on the license, and keep the agency informed of changes in your family or home.

Can I be licensed if I work outside the home?

Yes. We look at the time you have available and confirm you have legal, sufficient income. The State of Michigan contributes to childcare fees.

How long does licensing take?

On average, foster parents complete licensing in 6 to 9 months and adoptive parents in 9 to 12 months. Our digital process, with weekly virtual orientations and cloud-based documents, keeps it among the quickest in the nation.

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Foster Care & Adoption
Become a Foster Parent

Become a foster parent

Six steps, about 6 to 9 months, and a licensing specialist who knows your name. Here is exactly what it takes.

Send an inquiry Call (888) 625-8669

Foster parents talking with a social worker

Who can foster

You can be single, married, or separated. You can be related or unrelated to the child. You can rent. You can work full time. What matters is that you are:

Financially stable, able to pay your own bills and show proof of income and current utility bills
Living in an approved home, whether that is an apartment, house, flat, or mobile home
Able to pass criminal and child protective services clearances
Willing to complete orientation, PRIDE foster parent training, and CPR and First Aid
Ready to be part of a team working toward what is best for a child

What you receive

A monthly foster care stipend, with the State of Michigan contributing to childcare fees
A say in the sex, age, and characteristics of the children placed in your home
Training before licensing and every year after, for each person on the license
24-hour emergency telephone access to a Wolverine social worker
Help and representation with community resources, schools, and medical providers
Piggy Bank Project gifts for every child in your care and a summer picnic for foster families

The licensing process, step by step

Foster parents average 6 to 9 months from first call to license. Adoptive parents average 9 to 12 months. Because orientations are virtual and documents are digital, ours is among the quickest processes in the country.

Ask for information
Call (888) 625-8669 or send the inquiry form below. We will answer your questions and book you into the next orientation.
Attend a virtual orientation
One hour on Zoom, offered every week. You will meet a licensing specialist, hear what fostering with Wolverine is like, and sign the application when you are ready.
Clearances and medicals
Police clearances and a child protective services history check for every adult in your home, medical statements and a TB test for every household member, and fingerprinting. Your care provider portal tracks each item.
Training
PRIDE foster parent training and CPR and First Aid. Wolverine schedules these around your work and family.
Home study
Your licensing specialist visits, confirms your home meets foster home rules, and talks through your preferences and strengths so we recommend the right placements.
License and first placement
Your license is issued. Placements depend on the children who need care and the fit with your family. Training continues annually and your team stays a phone call away.

Foster care from anywhere

Wolverine built its own child welfare platform, Noble Child, so that families in Flint, Taylor, Warren, or the Upper Peninsula get the same experience.

Virtual orientation. Zoom welcome orientations are offered weekly.
Digital documents. Every form is digital and stored securely in the cloud.
Care provider portal. See who is assigned to your case, message your team, and know exactly what to complete next.

A foster mom making lunches with teens in the kitchen

Talk with a licensing specialist

Prefer to call? Foster care and adoption inquiries go to (888) 625-8669. Offices in Taylor, Flint, and Warren serve families in all 83 counties.

Not ready to talk yet? Read the licensing FAQ or take the 60-second check.

Ask about becoming a foster parent

Tell us a little about yourself. A licensing specialist will reach out within two business days to answer questions and invite you to a virtual orientation.

First name

Last name

Phone

City

County

I am interested in

Have you fostered or been licensed before?

Anything you want us to know?

How did you hear about us?

We never sell or share your information. Privacy policy

Become a foster parent

Who can foster

What you receive

The licensing process, step by step

Ask for information

Attend a virtual orientation

Clearances and medicals

Training

Home study

License and first placement

Foster care from anywhere

Talk with a licensing specialist

Ask about becoming a foster parent