All Comparison Tables
Foster Parent Requirements by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Minimum age to become a licensed foster parent, background check requirements, and pre-service training hours.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: March 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Min Age | Background Check | Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 24 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 21 hours |
| 25 | FBI + state | 23 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 12 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 20 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 20 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 20 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 12 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 20 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 12 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 19 | FBI + state | 21 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 21 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 21 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 32 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 20 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 36 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 12 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 14 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 35 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 32 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 21 hours |
| 18 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 24 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 27 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 36 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 12 hours |
| 21 | FBI + state | 30 hours |
All states require home studies, fingerprinting, and child abuse registry checks under federal Adam Walsh Act. Tribal and private agency requirements may differ from public foster care rules shown.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.