The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) licenses foster homes. A person can apply to be a foster parent through DCYF's licensing division or through a child placing agency. An applicant must complete required trainings, pass a background check, meet with staff for home visits and interviews, and complete a home study.

In 2021, child-specific foster care licenses were created. DCYF may issue a child-specific license to a relative or a suitable person who opts to become licensed for placement of a specific child and that child's siblings or relatives in DCYF's care, custody, and control.  Such individuals must meet all minimum licensing requirements and other criteria DCYF establishes by rule.  
 
For purposes of federal funding, a child-specific license is considered a full license with all of the rights and responsibilities of a foster family home license except that the licensee may only receive placement of specific children.  Placement with a person who holds a child-specific license is subject to DCYF's sole discretion. 

DCYF may issue a child specific license to an Indian child's family or extended family member who opts to become licensed for placement of a specific Indian child and that child's siblings or relatives in the custody of an Indian tribe or the tribe's child placing agency.