Licensing questions, answered plainly

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.