Apply to become a foster parent
Application and eligibility assessment by the Youth Welfare Office for the placement of a child in full-time or emergency foster care.
How to proceed
- 1
Information and Preparation Seminar
At the Youth Welfare Office or a private foster care agency.
- 2
Aptitude Test
Home visits, interviews, extended criminal record check, medical certificate.
- 3
Placement of a foster child
If the suitability assessment is positive, the child will be placed with a suitable family.
Required documents
- Extended Criminal Record CheckMandatoryOften forgotten
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 6 months
Official: max. approx. 6 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Did not attend the Youth Welfare Office's preparatory seminar
- • Extended criminal record check for all adults living in the household is missing
Common reasons for rejection
- • Negative results on the eligibility assessment (e.g., extended criminal record check, living arrangements, pedagogical aptitude)
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals and families who wish to care for a child from another family on a permanent or temporary basis in their home.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 6 months
Success rate
approx. 60.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Did not attend the Youth Welfare Office's preparatory seminar
- •Extended criminal record check for all adults living in the household is missing
Common reasons for rejection
- •Negative results on the eligibility assessment (e.g., extended criminal record check, living arrangements, pedagogical aptitude)
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.