Becoming a foster parent
Application process
Those who are interested in becoming foster parents must apply for a permit and undergo a competence assessment. The application process is carried out in collaboration between the Quality and Supervisory Authority of Welfare, the National Agency for Children and Families and the relevant child protection services.
Application process
An application for a foster care permit is made to the Quality and Supervisory Authority of Welfare (GEV) along with supporting documents.
GEV sends a request for comment to the National Agency for Children and Families (BOFS).
BOFS calls for the position of child protection services in the applicant's home district.
If the initial evaluation of the application is positive, BOFS shall invite the applicant to a preliminary interview to assess whether the applicant meets the general requirements for foster parents.
If the general requirements are met, the applicatn will be invited to a course for foster parents at BOFS. A competence evaluation will take place alongside that course.
After the applicant has completed the course, a second interview is taken along with a home audit.
After the BOFS evaluation, the applicant's statement is submitted to GEV.
GEV takes a decision on the issuance of a permit and informs the applicant about it.
Applicants who receive a permit are listed on the register of foster parents maintained by the BOFS.
An expert from the foster care team of the National Agency for Children and Families follows each applicant through the entire process and is available to him or her for advice and education, including the kind of foster care which might be suitable for the applicant.
Course for foster parents
All applicants must attend a course by the National Agency for Children and Families before being granted a permit. The course lasts four days, and is taught in two standard cycles. The teaching takes the form of lectures, discussions, group work, exercises and homework.
According to the provisions of the Child Protection Act, expectant foster parents must attend courses where the applicant's competence is assessed and the necessary training and preparation for the role of foster parents is provided.
If a couple apply together, both must attend the course. The course is free of charge to participants, but participants must cover travel and other expenses during the course.
You cannot register for the course until an application is submitted and the pre-interview is completed. The expert of the foster care team will register applicants for the course in consultation with them.
The course is American in origin, based on Foster Pride, but has been adapted for Iceland and in accordance with the Nordic experience.
Service provider
The National Agency for Children and FamiliesRelated organization
Quality and Supervisory Authority for Welfare