How to Start the Foster Parent Pre-application Process with Every Child TN

Becoming a foster parent is one of the most life-changing and rewarding decisions you can make. It’s an opportunity to provide stability, safety, and love to a child who needs it most. Before you begin the official foster parent application, training and home study, there’s an important first step: the pre-application phase which is designed to give you clarity and peace of mind about the foster parent journey and steps involved. 

Every Child TN is an organization designed to help guide you as you explore what fostering truly means, connect with support systems, and decide if applying to become a foster parent is the right choice for you and your family. Here’s an overview of the foster parent application process, what to expect, and how to take your first steps. 

Understanding the Pre-Application Phase

Before any paperwork or background checks begin, Every Child TN invites potential foster parents to start with a simple connection. This early step isn’t about commitment — it’s about curiosity, education, and conversation. 

The pre-application phase helps you: 

• Learn what foster parenting involves and whether you meet the foster parent requirements in Tennessee. 

• Ask questions about how foster care works and what the expectations are. 

• Understand what support is available through Every Child TN and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS). 

• Decide whether now is the right time to move forward with the foster parent approval process. 

In other words, it’s your chance to gather information and make a more informed and confident decision. 

Step 1: Connect with Every Child TN 

The process for potential foster parents begins by filling out a short Connect Form on Every Child TN’s website. You’ll provide basic contact information and indicate whether you’re ready to start the certification process or if you’re still just exploring. 

If you indicate you’re ready to start the certification process, a Foster Care Guide from the Every Child TN team will reach out — usually by email, phone, or text — to learn more about your interests, ask you some pre-qualifying questions while answering your questions, and connect you with the right local foster care agency who can further guide your next steps. 

This step is designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re ready to begin or simply want to learn more, you’ll receive helpful information and resources that bring clarity to what fostering in Tennessee really looks like. 

Pro tip: Write down your questions before your conversation. You may want to ask questions like: 

• What types of children are currently in need of foster families? 

• How long does the certification process take? 

• What kind of support and training will I receive? 

• Can I specify the age range or needs of a child I feel most equipped to care for? 

Step 2: Learn what Foster Parenting Really Involves 

Every Child TN will connect you with your local foster care agency representative, where you’ll receive more information about the role and responsibilities of a foster parent. They will provide more answers to your questions, insights, and real-life testimonials to help you see the full picture, both the challenges and rewards. 

You’ll learn about: 

• What Foster Parents Do: Provide temporary care, love, and structure to children while their families work toward reunification. 

• Foster Parent Requirements: For example, you must be at least 21 years old, have a stable income, and able to provide a safe, supportive home environment. 

• Training: Tennessee requires specific training courses to help you understand trauma-informed care and how to meet each child’s unique needs while also supporting you and your family’s needs as well. 

• Support Systems: Foster parents receive ongoing help from caseworkers, training resources, and connection to foster parent support through Every Child TN. 

This stage is incredibly valuable because it gives you realistic expectations of what fostering looks like day-to-day — and helps you confirm that it aligns with your family’s lifestyle and capacity. 

Step 3: Decide If You’re Ready to Move Forward

After you’ve learned more about the process, you will need to decide whether you’re ready to take the next step: completing your assigned local foster care agency’s official application to become approved as a foster parent.  

Here are a few questions to ask yourself: 

• Do I feel ready to care for a child who may have gone through some tough experiences? 

• Do I have a stable home environment that provides structure and love? 

• Is my household (partner, spouse, children, relatives) on board with this decision? 

• Am I prepared for the time commitment required for training, home studies, and ongoing communication with child welfare professionals? 

If the answer is “yes” or “I’m interested, but want to learn more,” your local agency that Every Child TN connected you with in the previous step will help you begin the official application, training, and home study process. 

Why the Pre-Application Step Matters 

The pre-application phase is important and gives you time to: 

• Get your questions answered so you can move forward on your own terms. 

• Gather accurate information before starting paperwork. 

• Build early connections with a foster parent community and the Every Child TN’s resources so you have support at your fingertips. 

• Prepare your household emotionally and practically for what fostering involves. 

Many families find that this phase gives them clarity and peace of mind, confirming that fostering is not just something they want to do, but something they’re truly ready to begin. 

What the Foster Parent Application and Process Includes in Tennessee 

Once you begin the foster parent application with your assigned agency — whether that’s with Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services or a private foster care agency — you’ll complete several important steps that help ensure you’re prepared and equipped to care for a child in foster care  

Here’s what the foster parent approval process typically includes: 

• Foster Parent Application: Forms detailing your household, lifestyle, and preferences for fostering. This is different from the pre-application, and completing this will initiate next steps with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. 

• Background Checks: This step ensures all adults and older children in your household meet Tennessee’s safety requirements. 

• Orientation & Training: You’ll attend a series of classes that teach the fundamentals of foster parenting, trauma awareness, and child development. 

• Home Study: A caseworker has a series of visits in your home to ensure it’s a safe environment and to get to know your family’s strengths and preferences. 

• Certification/Approval: Once approved, you’ll be certified as a foster parent and ready to welcome a child into your care. 

• Placement: Your assigned foster care agency will match you with a child whose needs align with your home, strengths, and preferences. You’ll receive a placement call to decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether you’re able to welcome the child into your care. You will always have a say in what placements you take into your home. 

This part of the journey provides a complete picture of your strengths and the support system — ultimately helping ensure the best match for both your family and the child placed in your care.  

Final thoughts: Take the First Step with Confidence 

Every foster parent journey begins with a single step — reaching out. The pre-application phase through Every Child TN is your invitation to learn, ask, and connect without pressure or obligation. 

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to start the conversation. If you’ve ever felt led to make a difference in a child’s life, this may be where it begins. 

Fill out the Connect Form today to start your journey toward becoming a foster parent in Tennessee. You’ll receive support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.