Who can be a foster parent?
Anyone who is 21 years or older, in good health, and demonstrates an ability and interest in caring for children, and becomes licensed. Single, married, divorced, and gay individuals are encouraged to apply. Same sex couples are also, eligible.
Can I be a foster parent if I don't own my own home?
You do not need to own a home. You may own or rent a house, condominium, or apartment. The important thing is that you have room for a child in a safe living environment and that you can meet the child's needs.
How long will it take to get licensed?
That depends a lot on you. You must attend an orientation and complete the application process. You will be required to attend PRIDE classes and if interested in caring for young children will need to attend Options For Recovery classes too. If you move quickly you may get licensed within 2 to 3 months.
How soon after I get licensed will I have a foster child placed with me?
That depends on the age and gender of child you want to care for. The wider the age range the sooner a child will be placed with you. Foster children are entering or being moved in the foster care system on almost, a daily basis. However, if you only want a girl between the ages of two and five, it may take some time for her to be placed in your home.
Will I get to meet children and choose which one comes to stay with me?
At times a planned move occurs and there may be time for foster parents to meet children before they are moved. There are times too, when there is little time and an immediate home is needed for a child. When you are contacted about a child you always have the right to accept or decline.
How long will a foster child need foster care?
They may need foster care for a few hours or a few months. Some children may need care until they are returned to their families, adopted, or until they turn 18.
What support will I receive?
A social worker will make visits to assess how the child is adjusting to the foster home and to give the foster child and foster parents an opportunity to discuss any problems. Foster parents will be expected to share information with the social worker concerning the child’s health, school, response to contact with birth parents, unmet needs, and any behavior or adjustment problems the child may have. Within the first month of a child's placement, foster parents will be invited to attend Coffee Connections, an informational meeting to help foster parents adjust to having a new child in the home.
Will I be reimbursed for a child"s food and clothing costs? What about medical and dental bills?
When children are placed by the Human Services Department, a monthly stipend is issued to reimburse the foster parents for food, shelter, clothing, recreation and incidental costs. The stipend is a fixed rate based on the child's age. Typically, checks are mailed out the first of each month following the month of care. A Medi-Cal card is also provided to cover the medical, dental and prescription expenses related to the care of the foster child.
Do I need to have any special training to be a foster parent?
PRIDE training is provided free of cost and all perspective foster parents and adoptive parents must complete the 27 hours of training. If you want to care for children under the age of 5 years who have been exposed to either drugs or alcohol, you must also attend Options For Recovery classes. These are also free and total 20 hours.
What if I have never parented a child before?
It is not a requirement for you to have parented a child before. You must show an interest and ability to care for children. Whether you have parented a child or not you are required to do the PRIDE training and possibly the Options for Recovery training.