Become an Adoptive/Foster Parent Adoptive Foster Parent Qualifications Adoptive or foster parents can be single, married, or divorced. To become an adoptive or foster parent, you must meet the following requirements: Be at least 21 years old at the time of application Have adequate income to meet existing family and household needs Live in a house or apartment with sufficient space, including a bedroom for the child or children separate from the parent(s) Ensure that children 5 years of age and older do not share a room with a child of the opposite sex Have the time and ability to manage the demands of parenting children Agree to obtain FBI/police and child abuse clearances for yourself and household members Provide annual physician reports certifying that all household members are in good health and free of any communicable diseases Have an appropriate childcare plan for any time you are absent from the home, whether for employment or other reasons For more information, please call (202) 671-5683.