Step 6: Licensing and/or Approval

What is it?

This is a time of waiting for you. You may be waiting for the licensing or family worker to complete your background checks and review the various pieces of information you provided.

The agency will have to complete a written assessment (homestudy) and other licensing/approval paperwork. All of this takes time.

What do I have to do during this step?

During this step of your journey try to be patient.

• You may be having a hard time understanding why it takes so long to complete the paperwork.
• You may be concerned about what has been put in the record about you and your household.
• Now is a good time to contact your local foster/adoptive parent group and attend a meeting.

Ask to review a copy of your homestudy so you can look it over and correct any inaccuracies. Be prepared for a bit of a wait. This process can take time. Use the time for further reading or networking with other foster and adoptive parents. Don’t be afraid to use the agency to answer questions and help solve problems during this period.