guide

Our friends at eHow.com offer general steps to help guide gays and lesbians to fostering.

1. Identify the foster home division in your county welfare department and obtain a listing of agencies that license foster homes. Both state-operated and private agencies exist.
2. Consult a local gay or lesbian organization to help identify which agencies are willing to accommodate your specific situation.
3. Investigate an agency thoroughly before making your selection.

In the U.S. each state has different rules and procedures to follow. Most states require that the foster parents be licensed by the state.

Basic requirements to be considered as a foster parent usually include:

1. completion of an application for family home license
2. background check, criminal history check and finger printing of each adult member of the household
3. family stability
4. home inspection and personal interview
5. character references
6. minimum age of applicant: 21