How to Become a Foster Parent in Alaska

Description

Foster care in Alaska provides children with a temporary, safe, stable, and nurturing family environment when they cannot safely remain in their own homes. The goal is generally to provide care until the child can safely return home or another permanent placement is found. Foster parents work with the Office of Children's Services, the child's parents and relatives, Tribal partners, service providers, schools, and other members of the child's team. Because a large number of Alaska children are protected by the Indian Child Welfare Act, preserving family, Tribal, cultural, language, and community connections is an especially important part of foster care in Alaska.

Agency

The Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services, commonly called OCS, oversees state foster-care licensing and child-welfare services. The Alaska Center for Resource Families provides orientation, training, assistance with applications, and support for foster, adoptive, guardianship, and relative caregivers. Alaska Tribes and Tribal organizations may also operate child-welfare or foster-care programs.

Who Can Apply

Adults who are at least 21 years old may apply. Applicants may live in urban, rural, or remote communities and do not need to own a large home or have substantial wealth. They must be physically and emotionally capable of caring for children, have adequate household resources independent of foster-care reimbursements, demonstrate mature judgment and suitable character, cooperate with OCS and the child's case plan, pass required background checks, and maintain a home that complies with health and safety standards.

Average Time To License

No single statewide licensing timeframe is guaranteed. The process includes orientation, completion of the foster-care application and related forms, references, fingerprinting, criminal and child-protection background checks, interviews or assessment discussions, home visits, and an environmental health and safety inspection. Delays may occur if forms are incomplete, background reviews require additional information, a variance is requested, or home-safety corrections are needed.

Website

Visit the official agency website

Minimum Age

Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

Residency

Applicants must have a home or residence that can be inspected and licensed by the appropriate Alaska licensing authority. The application asks how long each applicant has lived in Alaska, how long the applicant has been physically present in the state, and where the applicant lived during the previous five years. Applicants living on a military installation must obtain any required military permission. People living in Tribal communities should also consider contacting their Tribe or Tribal organization because it may operate its own child-welfare or foster-care program.

Marital Status

Alaska's application accommodates single applicants and two-adult households. When two adults act as heads of the same household—whether they are married, domestic partners, or cohabitating—both must apply for the foster-care license and participate in the licensing process. Both are listed on the license and must meet applicable training and background-clearance requirements.

Income Requirements

The household must have adequate income, subsistence resources, community resources, or other supports to meet its existing needs without relying on monthly foster-care reimbursements. Reimbursement is intended to help cover the cost of caring for a child placed by the state, not to serve as the foster family's primary household income.

Home Ownership

Home ownership is not required. Applicants may live in a house, apartment, rental home, rural residence, or other suitable dwelling as long as the home can meet Alaska's environmental health, sanitation, fire-safety, sleeping-space, and licensing requirements. Applicants should obtain any required landlord, property-owner, military-housing, or local approval that applies to their residence.

Bedroom Requirements

The home must have enough safe sleeping space and beds for each child placed there. A foster child must have appropriate privacy and space for personal belongings. The exact sleeping-room arrangement, room-sharing limits, bed requirements, and capacity of the home are reviewed during the licensing inspection and depend on the children's ages, sexes, needs, and applicable Alaska regulations.

Transportation

Applicants must explain how children will be transported to school, medical appointments, family contact, court-related activities, services, and community activities. Lack of a personal vehicle does not automatically disqualify a household, particularly in communities where other transportation methods are used, but the family must have a reliable transportation plan. Vehicles used to transport foster children must comply with Alaska law, use appropriate safety restraints, and remain smoke-free.

Health Requirements

Foster parents must be physically and emotionally capable of caring for children. Applicants must disclose physical-health, mental-health, behavioral-health, medication, alcohol, marijuana, or other substance-use circumstances that might affect safe caregiving. OCS may request explanations, medical information, evaluations, or supervision plans when a condition, medication, or substance use could affect a child's health, safety, or well-being.

Pet Policy

Having pets or other animals does not automatically prevent licensure. Applicants must explain how children will be protected around animals. The licensing worker evaluates the type, behavior, health, confinement, vaccination status, and potential risk of animals in or around the home. Any animal that presents a foreseeable danger must be safely managed or restricted from contact with children.

Firearm Policy

Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons must be handled and stored according to Alaska foster-home safety regulations. Applicants must disclose firearms and maintain an approved firearm-safety plan when applicable. A foster child may not handle a firearm unless advance permission has been obtained from the child's parent or from OCS when parental rights have been terminated, and appropriate safety instruction and supervision are provided.

Contact Agency

Contact the Alaska Center for Resource Families at 800-478-7307 or contact the nearest Office of Children's Services field office. The Alaska Center for Resource Families can explain the process, help determine whether a relative or non-relative application is appropriate, assist with forms, and connect applicants with orientation and training.

Attend Orientation

Complete Resource Family Orientation through the Alaska Center for Resource Families. Alaska describes orientation as highly recommended, and the state's application instructions direct prospective foster parents to attend orientation as part of the process. Orientation may be offered virtually, by telephone, through a web-based format, or through another scheduled delivery method.

Choose Agency

Most non-relative applicants apply through the Alaska Office of Children's Services. Applicants may also explore a licensed child-placement agency when one serves their community. Alaska Native applicants and people seeking to care for a child connected to a Tribe or Native corporation should contact the relevant Tribal organization to ask whether it operates its own foster-care, licensing, or child-welfare program.

Documents Needed

• Completed Alaska Foster Care License Application
• A separate applicant background-information form for each foster-parent applicant
• A completed plan for supervision of children and operation of the foster home
• Household information for everyone living in or regularly staying at the residence
• Names and contact information for three references, including at least one non-relative
• Previous residential-address history for the required period
• A clearance form for every household member age 16 or older
• Fingerprint submissions for applicants and household members age 16 or older
• Information about previous foster-care, adoption, guardianship, childcare, or adult-care licenses or applications
• Explanations and supporting records concerning previous licensing denials, suspensions, or revocations, when applicable
• Information about previous child-abuse or neglect investigations, when applicable
• Information concerning criminal charges or convictions, when applicable
• Health, mental-health, medication, domestic-violence, alcohol, marijuana, or substance-use information when relevant
• A financial statement showing that the household can operate independently of foster-care reimbursements
• An emergency and disaster-response plan
• Names of emergency backup caregivers and regular childcare providers
• A transportation and childcare plan
• A secondhand-smoke reduction plan when anyone in the household smokes or vapes
• A firearm-safety plan when firearms are present or a child may participate in firearm-related activities
• Required permission when the home is located on a military installation
• Any additional records requested by the licensing specialist during the assessment

Required

Yes

Description

Resource Family Orientation introduces prospective foster and adoptive parents to the Office of Children's Services practice model, the responsibilities of foster parenting, the child-welfare and licensing process, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. It is intended to help families understand how foster care affects the entire household and decide whether they are prepared to proceed.

How To Register

Contact the Alaska Center for Resource Families at 800-478-7307, email [email protected], or use its training and orientation schedule. Applicants may also contact their local OCS field office for assistance locating the appropriate orientation. Tribal applicants may contact their Tribe or Tribal organization for information about any separate orientation or approval process.

Duration

Approximately 1–2 hours. Alaska states that orientation may be completed virtually, by telephone, or through a web-based format, depending on the available schedule and delivery method.

Application Process

Prospective foster parents obtain an Alaska Foster Care License Application packet from the Office of Children's Services or download the forms from the OCS foster-care website. Applicants complete and sign all required forms, provide household and background information, submit references, and return the packet to their local OCS office or to the OCS Licensing Unit. Alaska OCS currently requires handwritten or otherwise valid physical signatures and states that it cannot accept digital signatures on the licensing forms. After the application is received, licensing staff review the packet, request any missing information, arrange fingerprinting and background checks, conduct interviews and home visits, inspect the residence, and determine whether the applicants and home meet licensing standards.

Required Documents

• Completed Alaska Foster Care License Application
• Separate applicant information and disclosure forms for each foster-parent applicant
• Information identifying every person who lives in or regularly stays in the home
• Residential-address history for the period requested by OCS
• Names and contact information for three references, including at least one non-relative
• Background-check authorization or clearance forms for applicants and covered household members
• Fingerprint submissions for each household member age 16 or older
• Financial information showing that the household can meet its needs without relying on foster-care reimbursement
• Information about employment, work schedules, childcare, transportation, and household routines
• A supervision plan describing how children will be supervised
• An emergency and disaster-preparedness or evacuation plan
• Information identifying backup or alternative caregivers
• Health, mental-health, medication, substance-use, and other caregiving-capacity information when requested
• Information about prior foster-care, adoption, guardianship, childcare, adult-care, or other care-related licenses or applications
• Information about previous license denials, suspensions, revocations, investigations, or enforcement actions when applicable
• Information about prior child-protection investigations or findings when applicable
• Information about criminal charges, convictions, or barrier conditions when applicable
• A firearm-safety plan when firearms or other weapons are present
• A secondhand-smoke exposure-reduction plan when smoking or vaping occurs in or around the household
• Documentation concerning pets, livestock, or other animals when requested
• Permission from the appropriate military authority when the family lives on a military installation
• Landlord or property-owner approval when required by the lease or housing arrangement
• Any additional medical, safety, licensing, or background documentation requested by the licensing specialist

References Required

Applicants must provide three positive references. At least one reference must be from a person who is not related to the applicant. OCS uses references to evaluate moral character, mature judgment, financial responsibility, reliability, parenting or caregiving capacity, and the applicant's ability to form meaningful and appropriate relationships with children.

Interview Process

The licensing specialist meets with and interviews the foster-parent applicants and may speak with other household members. The assessment explores the applicants' motivation to foster, family relationships, parenting experience, discipline practices, cultural awareness, understanding of trauma and loss, ability to support reunification and family contact, willingness to work with OCS and Tribal partners, health, finances, transportation, support system, daily schedules, placement preferences, and ability to safely meet children's needs. The worker may request additional interviews, explanations, assessments, or documentation when concerns arise.

Required

Yes

Curriculum

Alaska's initial training includes Resource Family Orientation and Core Training for Resource Families. Core Training prepares foster and adoptive parents to understand the role of a resource parent, work effectively with the child's team, and care for children and youth who have experienced trauma, separation, grief, abuse, neglect, instability, and disrupted attachment. Training may address child development, trauma-responsive parenting, behavior as communication, grief and loss, attachment, cultural identity, the Indian Child Welfare Act, maintaining family and Tribal connections, reunification, birth-parent partnerships, case planning, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, reasonable and prudent parenting, placement transitions, discipline restrictions, caregiver self-care, and accessing support.

Required Hours

Alaska does not currently publish one universal preservice-hour total. Core Training is offered as a six-session live virtual series, a ten-session self-paced online course, or a self-study workbook. After licensing, the licensing worker, caseworker, and foster family develop an Individualized Training Plan based on the family's experience and the needs of children in the home. Required training must be completed before the end of each licensing year.

Online Available

Yes. Core Training may be completed through a live virtual six-session series or a ten-session self-paced online course. New self-paced online classes generally begin monthly, and participants may have up to ten weeks to complete the course. A workbook option is available for families who lack reliable internet access or prefer self-study. Alaska also offers online webinars, recorded courses, topic-specific training, publications, and approved outside-training options.

Certification

Applicants must complete Resource Family Orientation and Core Training as directed during the licensing process. After the license is issued, an Individualized Training Plan is developed for the family, generally within 90 days, and the foster parents must complete the assigned training before the end of the licensing year. Training records are maintained and reviewed for continued licensure. Additional certifications—such as first aid, CPR, medication-related instruction, water-safety training, or specialized-care education—may be required depending on the children served, the home's setting, agency direction, or the family's approved placement type.

Required

Yes

Interviews

The licensing assessment includes interviews with each foster-parent applicant and may include children, adult household members, frequent visitors, backup caregivers, and others whose presence or role could affect children placed in the home. OCS also contacts references and reviews information from criminal-history, child-protection, and licensing checks. Interviews are used to determine whether applicants possess suitable character, mature judgment, emotional stability, caregiving ability, and willingness to cooperate with the child's case plan.

Home Visits

A Community Care Licensing Specialist conducts one or more visits to the home. At least one on-site inspection is required to determine whether the residence complies with environmental-health, sanitation, fire-safety, sleeping-space, supervision, and other foster-home licensing standards. The licensing specialist reviews applicable regulations with the applicants during the inspection. Follow-up visits may be necessary if repairs, safety changes, additional documentation, or a plan of correction is required.

Topics Covered

• The applicants' reasons for becoming foster parents
• Understanding that foster care is temporary and reunification is generally the initial goal
• Willingness to support family contact and the child's case plan
• Ability to work with birth parents, relatives, Tribal representatives, OCS staff, courts, schools, and service providers
• Understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the importance of Tribal and cultural connections
• Family relationships and household stability
• The quality and stability of a couple's relationship when two adults apply together
• Parenting and caregiving experience
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Understanding of trauma, grief, loss, attachment, and separation
• Discipline beliefs and prohibited discipline methods
• Ability to provide nurturing, structure, supervision, and age-appropriate independence
• Physical health and ability to meet children's daily needs
• Mental and emotional health
• Medication use when it could affect caregiving
• Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, vaping, and other substance use
• Domestic violence or other household safety concerns
• Criminal-history and child-protection information
• Prior foster-care, adoption, guardianship, childcare, or care-provider experience
• Financial stability and household resources
• Employment schedules and childcare arrangements
• Transportation plans
• Emergency and disaster planning
• Backup caregivers and support systems
• Household members' understanding of and feelings about foster care
• Pets, livestock, firearms, water hazards, recreational vehicles, and other potential risks
• Bedroom arrangements and the home's proposed capacity
• Preferred ages, number of children, sibling groups, behaviors, medical needs, and placement types
• The family's strengths, limitations, training needs, and support needs
• Confidentiality and protection of children's personal information
• Ability to preserve a child's identity, culture, language, religion, community, and relationships

Timeline

The assessment and licensing process generally takes approximately two to six months, although there is no guaranteed completion date. Timing depends on how quickly applicants complete orientation and Core Training, return signed forms, submit fingerprints, obtain references, respond to requests for additional information, complete background reviews, participate in home visits, and correct any health or safety issues. A barrier-condition review, variance request, incomplete application, remote-location logistics, or need for specialized inspections can extend the process.

Bedroom Rules

The home must provide enough safe sleeping space and appropriate beds for every child placed there. Children must have reasonable privacy and space for clothing and personal belongings. A foster child does not always need a private bedroom and may share with the foster family's children or other foster children when the arrangement is safe and appropriate. OCS determines acceptable room sharing, bed placement, capacity, and age or sex groupings based on Alaska licensing standards and the individual needs of the children. Foster children may not routinely sleep in hallways, kitchens, unfinished areas, or other spaces not approved as bedrooms.

Smoke Detectors

The home must meet Alaska's environmental-health and fire-safety requirements. Required smoke alarms must be installed, operational, appropriately located, and maintained according to the home's construction, heating sources, sleeping areas, and applicable state or local requirements. Carbon-monoxide detection may also be required when the home has fuel-burning appliances, an attached garage, or another qualifying source. The licensing specialist verifies alarm placement and operation during the inspection.

Fire Extinguisher

The home must have appropriate, accessible, and functioning fire-extinguishing equipment as required by Alaska's environmental-health and fire-safety standards. Applicants must know where the equipment is located and how to use it. The licensing specialist may require a particular extinguisher type, size, location, inspection, or replacement based on the home's layout, heating system, cooking area, rural setting, or local fire-safety requirements.

Medications

Prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, cannabis products, and other substances that could harm a child must be stored securely and made inaccessible according to the age, development, behavior, and needs of children in the home. Medication must remain properly labeled and must be administered only as authorized. Controlled substances, medications requiring refrigeration, and medications belonging to household members may require additional secure-storage arrangements.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning products, fuels, solvents, pesticides, antifreeze, poisonous materials, alcohol, marijuana products, vaping liquids, and other hazardous substances must be stored so that children cannot access them. Storage requirements depend on the substance and the age and capabilities of children in care. Hazardous materials should remain in properly labeled containers and must not be stored near food in a way that creates contamination risk.

Firearms

Applicants must disclose firearms and other weapons and comply with Alaska's foster-home weapon-safety requirements. Firearms and ammunition must be stored in a manner that prevents unauthorized access by children. OCS may require locked storage, separate ammunition storage, trigger or cable locks, an approved firearm-safety plan, or other safeguards based on the circumstances. A foster child may not use or handle a firearm without the required advance permission, appropriate instruction, and direct adult supervision.

Pools

Swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, rivers, lakes, wells, water-storage systems, and other water hazards must be assessed and protected according to the age and abilities of children placed in the home. OCS may require barriers, locked access, pool covers, alarms, life-saving equipment, supervision plans, swimming ability information, or water-safety training. Families in rural or waterfront communities must explain how children will be protected from naturally occurring water hazards.

Pets

Animals must not pose a foreseeable danger or health risk to children. Foster parents are responsible for supervising children's interactions with animals and maintaining appropriate confinement, sanitation, veterinary care, and vaccinations. The licensing specialist may evaluate an animal's breed, size, behavior, history of aggression, disease risk, and access to children's sleeping or play areas. An unsafe animal may need to be restricted, removed, or managed through a written safety plan.

Vehicle Requirements

Any vehicle used to transport a foster child must be legally registered, insured, safely maintained, and operated by a properly licensed driver. Children must use seat belts, car seats, booster seats, helmets, and other restraints required by law and appropriate to their age, size, and activity. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in a vehicle while transporting a foster child. In communities where cars are not the primary form of transportation, the family must demonstrate safe plans for travel by boat, snowmachine, all-terrain vehicle, aircraft, public transportation, walking, or other locally used transportation.

Fingerprinting

Every foster-parent applicant and every household member age 16 or older must complete fingerprinting as part of Alaska's background-clearance process. Fingerprints are submitted through the Alaska Background Check Program before a foster-care license can be issued.

Child Abuse Registry

All applicants and household members age 16 or older undergo Child Protective Services and licensing background checks. Previous child-protection history, licensing actions, and abuse or neglect findings are reviewed as part of determining suitability for licensure.

Criminal History

Applicants and household members age 16 or older must successfully complete state and national criminal-history background checks. Criminal history is reviewed together with licensing history, child-protection history, and other available information when determining whether a foster-care license can be issued.

Disqualifying Offenses

Alaska law identifies barrier crimes and barrier conditions that prohibit licensure. Certain applicants or household members may request a Background Variance when allowed by Alaska law. Approval of a variance is not automatic and depends upon the nature of the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, the amount of time that has passed, and the safety of children placed in the home.

Additional Checks

The licensing specialist may review previous foster-care or childcare licenses, adult-care licenses, child-protection investigations, court records, licensing actions in other states, military records when applicable, and any other information necessary to evaluate the safety and suitability of the household.

Steps

• Contact the Alaska Center for Resource Families or the Office of Children's Services.
• Complete Resource Family Orientation.
• Submit the Alaska Foster Care License Application.
• Provide all required supporting documentation.
• Complete Core Training for Resource Families.
• Submit fingerprint cards and background-check authorizations.
• Provide three required references.
• Participate in interviews with the licensing specialist.
• Complete the home inspection.
• Correct any health or safety concerns identified during the inspection.
• Receive final approval from the Office of Children's Services.
• Develop an Individualized Training Plan within 90 days after licensure.

Average Timeline

Most foster-home licenses are completed in approximately two to six months, although Alaska does not guarantee a statewide licensing timeline. Processing time depends upon completion of paperwork, fingerprinting, references, background reviews, training, home inspections, and correction of any licensing deficiencies.

Renewal Requirements

Foster-care licenses must be renewed according to Alaska licensing requirements. Renewal includes continued compliance with licensing regulations, updated background reviews when required, home visits, review of the foster home's operation, and completion of the family's Individualized Training Plan.

Ongoing Training

Each licensed foster family develops an Individualized Training Plan with its licensing worker and caseworker. Required training must be completed before the end of each licensing year. Training focuses on the specific needs of children placed in the home as well as the continuing development of the foster family.

How Placements Work

After licensure, OCS considers the family's approved capacity, experience, strengths, location, and preferences when matching children with foster homes. Placement decisions are based upon the child's individual needs, sibling relationships, cultural connections, Tribal relationships, school stability, safety, and the family's ability to meet those needs.

Can Decline Placements

Yes. Foster parents are encouraged to honestly evaluate each placement request. Families should only accept placements they believe they can safely and appropriately support. Declining a placement does not automatically affect a family's foster-care license.

Emergency Placements

Emergency placements may occur when children must be removed immediately for their safety. OCS may contact licensed foster homes at any time when an emergency placement is needed. Relative and kinship caregivers may also receive emergency placement consideration depending upon the circumstances.

Sibling Groups

Whenever safely possible, Alaska attempts to keep siblings together in the same foster home. When siblings cannot safely remain together, OCS works to preserve sibling relationships through regular visitation, communication, and permanency planning.

Age Preferences

During the licensing assessment, foster parents identify the ages, number of children, sibling groups, medical needs, behaviors, and special circumstances they feel prepared to care for. Placement decisions consider both the family's preferences and the child's best interests.

Monthly Board Rate

Licensed foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement intended to offset the cost of caring for a child in foster care. Alaska establishes reimbursement rates according to the child's age, the foster home's geographic region, and the number of nights the child resides in the home. Current reimbursement schedules are published annually by the Office of Children's Services.

Clothing Allowance

Additional clothing assistance may be available when necessary to meet a child's immediate clothing needs. Availability depends upon the child's circumstances, OCS approval, and current agency policy.

Daycare Assistance

Child-care assistance may be authorized when necessary to support the child's placement and the foster parent's employment, education, or approved activities. Eligibility and approval are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Medical Coverage

Children placed in Alaska foster care generally receive Medicaid coverage for medically necessary services. Foster parents coordinate medical, dental, vision, behavioral-health, and specialty care through the child's assigned caseworker and healthcare providers.

Mileage Reimbursement

Mileage reimbursement may be available for certain approved transportation associated with a child's case plan, including medical appointments, visitation, court-related activities, or other approved travel. Reimbursement policies vary according to the circumstances and current OCS procedures.

Additional Benefits

Children with significant medical, behavioral, developmental, or emotional needs may qualify for Difficulty of Care (DOC) reimbursement in addition to the basic foster-care reimbursement. Foster families may also receive assistance with specialized services, respite care, training, and other approved supports depending upon the child's needs.

Respite Care

Respite care is available to help foster families receive temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Respite providers must meet applicable approval requirements, and arrangements should be coordinated through the licensing worker or caseworker.

Support Groups

The Alaska Center for Resource Families offers support groups, educational events, conferences, webinars, and networking opportunities for foster, adoptive, guardianship, and relative caregivers throughout Alaska.

Mentoring

Experienced resource families often serve as mentors for new foster parents through the Alaska Center for Resource Families and local foster-parent organizations. Additional mentoring opportunities may be available through Tribal organizations and community partners.

Counseling

Behavioral-health and counseling services for foster children are coordinated through the child's caseworker, healthcare providers, Medicaid services, Tribal organizations when applicable, and other approved community providers. Foster parents may also receive consultation and guidance regarding children's behavioral and emotional needs.

Crisis Support

Foster parents have access to assistance from their licensing worker, the child's assigned caseworker, after-hours emergency contacts, the Alaska Center for Resource Families, and emergency services when immediate safety concerns arise. OCS encourages foster parents to contact the child's team whenever significant behavioral, medical, or placement concerns develop.

Available

Yes. Alaska encourages foster families who are interested in adoption to identify that interest during the licensing process. Many foster families eventually adopt children whose permanency plan changes from reunification to adoption.

Process

Children first enter foster care with reunification as the primary permanency goal whenever it is safe and appropriate. If reunification cannot be achieved, OCS explores other permanency options, including guardianship and adoption. Foster parents caring for the child may be considered as adoptive resources when adoption becomes the child's permanency plan and placement with the foster family is determined to be in the child's best interests.

Legal Risk

Foster care should never be entered with the expectation that adoption is guaranteed. Many children safely reunify with their parents or relatives. Foster parents are expected to support the child's permanency plan throughout the case, even when reunification may ultimately mean the child leaves their home.

Adoption Subsidy

Children who meet Alaska's definition of special needs may qualify for Adoption Assistance. Assistance may include a negotiated monthly subsidy, Medicaid coverage, reimbursement of certain non-recurring adoption expenses, and other approved services depending upon the child's eligibility.

Available

Yes. Alaska strongly supports placement with relatives and fictive kin whenever it is safe and appropriate. Relative caregivers play an important role in maintaining family relationships, cultural identity, and community connections.

Licensing Differences

Relative caregivers may initially care for children through emergency or provisional placement procedures while working toward full foster-home licensure when required. Fully licensed relative foster homes generally meet the same safety and licensing standards as non-relative foster homes, although Alaska may provide flexibility in certain situations when permitted by law and when child safety is not compromised.

Financial Support

Licensed relative foster parents are generally eligible to receive the same foster-care maintenance payments available to licensed non-relative foster homes. Additional financial assistance, guardianship assistance, Tribal programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other benefits may also be available depending upon the child's circumstances and the caregiver's eligibility.

Can I become a foster parent if I am single?

Yes. Alaska welcomes single adults, married couples, domestic partners, and two-adult households who meet licensing requirements.

Do I have to own my home?

No. Applicants may rent or own their residence as long as the home meets Alaska's licensing and safety standards.

Can I work full time?

Yes. Many Alaska foster parents work full time. Families must demonstrate appropriate childcare, supervision, transportation, and scheduling plans that meet the child's needs.

How old do I have to be?

Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

Do I have to complete training before I can foster?

Yes. Applicants complete Resource Family Orientation and Alaska's Core Training during the licensing process. After licensure, an Individualized Training Plan is developed for each foster family.

Can I choose the age of children I foster?

Yes. During licensing you identify the ages, number of children, sibling groups, medical needs, and behaviors you feel prepared to support. OCS considers both your preferences and each child's individual needs when making placements.

Can I own firearms?

Yes. Firearms are permitted provided they are stored safely in accordance with Alaska licensing requirements and an approved firearm safety plan is followed when required.

Can I have pets?

Yes. Pets are common in foster homes. The licensing worker evaluates whether animals are healthy, appropriately supervised, and safe around children.

Can I foster Native Alaska children if I am not Alaska Native?

Yes. However, many Native Alaska children are protected by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). OCS works closely with Tribes to preserve children's family, Tribal, cultural, and community connections. Foster parents are expected to actively support those relationships.

Can I adopt a child who is placed with me?

Possibly. If reunification and other permanency options are no longer appropriate and adoption becomes the child's permanency goal, the foster family may be considered as an adoptive placement. Foster care itself does not guarantee adoption.

State Agency

Alaska Department of Family and Community Services — Office of Children's Services

Phone

907-465-3191

Email

Contact your local OCS office or submit an inquiry through the Alaska Center for Resource Families.

Address

P.O. Box 110630, Juneau, AK 99811-0630