WHERE TO START
Knowing where to start can be extremely daunting and become a deterrent for those wanting to get involved. Maybe you are like us. We didn’t know anyone who had gone through the process of becoming a foster parent and our only resource was the internet. Although searching for information online will lead you to hundreds of results, we hope to save you some time and energy by providing the general rundown.
You will see the term “resource parent/family” referenced in the steps below. In the state of California, a bill was passed in 2015 with new policies and terms for the foster care system. Along with these changes, came the shift to referring to the approval program as Resource Family Approval (RFA). A resource family is any individual, couple, or family that has been approved to take children into their care. Whether someone is looking to foster, foster-to-adopt, or temporarily open their home to a child, they will first need to become a resource family by way of the RFA process.
FOSTERING vs. FOSTER-TO-ADOPT
It’s important to note the difference between fostering and fostering-to-adopt. As a foster (resource) parent you provide a child a safe place to live and heal while their family of origin accomplishes the goals outlined by the court. The primary goal of foster care is reunification with the child’s family of origin. Foster care serves as a bridge between brokenness and the restoration of the family unit. Some people provide foster care for 2-6 months, while others provide care for up to a few years. Foster-to-adopt parents are families who choose to foster children while waiting for the opportunity to adopt a child from the foster care system. Should reunification with a child’s family of origin not be an option, then the resource family is offered the possibility of adoption.
It is important to note that in both scenarios, the primary goal is always reunification with the family of origin.
Steps to Becoming a Resource Family
The steps listed below are specific to LA County. Every state is different, but this will give you a good overview no matter where you live.
Choosing a foster family agency is a very important first step. Your agency will be the ones to walk you through the certification process and answer your questions and concerns along the way. We encourage you to check out several options and ask a lot of questions to make sure you choose an agency that is the right fit for your family. A great organization that helped us select our agency was Raise A Child. They host free informational events that showcase various agencies in LA County. A list of foster family agencies is also available here. You will need to attend an orientation, complete an application, and be accepted to proceed with the training and certification process.
Training consists of 6-8 group classes (around 20 hours) where you will learn about child development and what your role will be as a resource parent in the California foster care system. These trainings are typically on the weekends and are scheduled months in advance to allow you to adjust your schedule to attend. Be sure to ask about the upcoming class schedule during your orientation. Each year you will need to complete a renewal process, which includes around 8 hours of additional training.
The state of California wants to know they can trust you with a child. To do so they will require A LOT of paperwork. You will need to complete a thorough background check and fingerprinting called a Live Scan. Schedule this as quickly as you can because getting the results can take a month or two. Additional reviews during this time include a health screening, financial statements, vehicle inspections, and character references. You will also need to complete a CPR/First Aid course. A good agency will walk you through the paperwork process and help you stay on track.
There are certain items you must have in your home before your certification is approved. We’ve included a list of the items that are checked during a home inspection so you can be sure to be prepared. We recommend creating a registry with all the items you need and talk to your friends and family about hosting a shower! It can feel strange to have a registry and shower before you know exactly when you’ll have a child in your home or the age or gender, but keep in mind that you will likely need even more than the average expecting family because of these unknown factors. The wider the age range of children you are willing to welcome into your home, the more supplies you will need, so don’t be shy about reaching out to your community for support. Our Open House is also here to help you if you are in need of specific items. Send us an email at connect@ouropenhouse.org and let us know how we can help.
Download the checklist here
Once you have been approved as a resource parent, you will schedule an appointment with a “Matcher” to discuss the specific placement details for your family. At this time, you will be able to specify the age range, gender, ethnicity, and any mental or physical challenges you are comfortable caring for. You can be as specific or as broad as you like in your selections but it is helpful to have a Matcher guide you through these choices. They will likely be the same person that will be calling you for a placement. Depending on your availability, you could receive a call within days of getting approved, meeting with the Matcher and being placed on the list. With our first placement, we received a call the day before we were officially on the list!
Other Ways to Get Involved
Respite Care
Maybe you don’t have the capacity to become a full-time foster parent right now, but you still want to get involved. Respite care is an opportunity for families to support each other in a time of need. You will go through a similar certification process to become an approved home, but instead of having a child placed in your home full-time, this service allows you to temporarily care for a child when their current foster family needs time for either self-care or family emergencies. Being a respite care family is a wonderful way to support full-time foster families, help ensure secure placements for children in foster care, and connect with many children while maintaining a more flexible schedule. Respite care can be provided from a few hours up to two weeks. Select an agency to get started, or contact us and we will connect you with one of our trusted partner organizations.
Childcare
Due to the laws in place to protect children in the system, only approved individuals can provide childcare to children in the foster system. This is a great way to support foster families and children and provide a service they may need to maintain a healthy family schedule. By becoming an approved babysitter, you are available as a resource to parents on a regular basis to provide childcare support. The approval process to become a certified child care provider includes a background check, CPR/First Aid training and a few forms. This is a really easy, but extremely helpful, way to support the foster community! Select an agency to get started, or contact us and we will connect you with one of our trusted partner organizations.