Santa Cruz County Foster Care and Adoption

Become a Resource Family in Santa Cruz County

Families who wish to adopt or provide foster care to children in the foster care system in Santa Cruz County must become a "Resource Family" in order to do so. The process for becoming a Resource family is detailed below.

Step 1: Attend an RFA Orientation

Attending an orientation is mandatory, and will provide you with an overview of the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process and an opportunity to meet with our RFA social work staff.

Step 2: Complete the Application Process

After attending an RFA orientation, you'll receive a link to start the RFA application process. An RFA social worker will be assigned to you once an RFA application is completed and submitted.

RFA application requirements include:

  1. Completing an RFA application
  2. Completing Live Scan fingerprinting for all adults in the home
  3. Participating in criminal background checks
  4. Passing a home inspection conducted by an RFA social worker
  5. Submitting DMV records
  6. Providing current identification
  7. Consenting to release all requested evaluative reports and records, including physical and mental health reports and records
  8. Engaging in a comprehensive permanency assessment
  9. Providing three (3) character references for each applicant
  10. Completing mandatory pre-approval training hours & courses
  11. Completing any other activities as determined by the County related to your ability to be approved as a Resource Family.
  12. Completing a County approved CPR/First Aid class
  13. Establishing or providing existing proof of residency within Santa Cruz County

Step 3: Attend the Appropriate Training

A pre-approval training is offered through an online "Foster Parent College", at their Online Training for Caregivers site and is free of charge for all applicants who complete an RFA application. This training is self-guided and can be taken at the applicant’s pace. Completion of all pre-approval training courses is a requirement for approval. Your RFA social worker will sign you up!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Resource family! For additional information, please call: (831) 345-2700