The number of children in foster care has risen. Given this increase in caseload, coupled with the fact that between 30 to 50 percent of foster families step down each year, there is a growing need to prioritize effective recruitment and retention for foster parents, including relative (or kinship) foster parents. Agencies are focusing on recruitmen...

There is a risk of property damage with all foster children.  The foster family agency is not responsible for any damage done to your property or personal property.  You need to review your home owners or renters insurance to be sure that any serious damage to your property is covered. You strongly recommend that you carry adequate liability coverag...

Licensed foster family agencies are authorized to approve applicants as Resource Families (foster parents and adoptions). This authorization requires that foster family agencies conduct a thorough evaluation of applicant, including background check and a psycho-social assessment. Once the agency reviews all of the documentation gathered during the a...

The purpose for respite care is to allow resource parents to get a break from the constant demands that may be associated with caring for children in foster care.  Foster parents are encouraged to take respite weekends at least once every three (3) months.  Also, foster parents are encouraged to provide respite care for each other. Your family socia...

At the time of application, you will need to get finger-printed. This will include a background check into Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice Child Abuse Central Index Even if you have previously been fingerprinted, you will need to complete the LiveScan process and ensure that all three (3) of these databases are checked. After A...

It is our expectation that foster parents will set and enforce reasonable rules for the protection of the foster child placed with you.  We expect that you will set rules regarding curfew, dating, homework, and chores. If your foster child complains to us regarding these rules, we will all discuss the problem.  However, the basic is that it is your ...

With rare exceptions, children placed in foster care are either Dependents or Wards of the court.  A Dependent child is one who has been placed in foster care due to the parent’s abuse or neglect.  A Ward of the Court is a child who has been placed in foster care because the child broke the law and is on probation.  Many children who are Wards have ...

Emergencies happen from time to time. Foster parents often ask what they should report and when: Please report immediately:  Anything you feel is an emergency Any injury or accident, however minor it seems, should be reported to your agency social worker, immediately Any serious injury or accident requiring hospitalization Any visit to a doctor, eve...

"SAY HELLO" A foster child entering your home for the first time needs to know he or she is welcome. What you say and do during the first contact with the child will set the tone for your future relationship with the child. You and your family will have time to plan for his arrival after the child’s social worker has confirmed the placement with you...

Resource Parent must maintain current certificates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training. Hands-on or online training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training is permissible. However, it is recommended that any online training that has a skills competency component, e.g. First Aid and CPR, include a han...

In addition to the written report, the evaluation includes the following: If an applicant’s spouse, domestic partner, or significant other who resides with the applicant did not apply for Resource Family Approval, then the evaluation shall include the impact, if any, this has on the applicant’s ability to be approved as a Resource Family. Any concer...

If your foster child runs away, you should do the following: Inform your agency social worker immediately.  If you are unable to contact your agency social worker contact the agency after-hours phone.  After you have determined that the child’s absence is in fact a case of runaway, you may call and make a report to the police.  Be prepared to give a...

Every child deserves a safe and stable environment that nurtures personal growth and development. In Riverside County, there are approximately 4,000 children who have been removed from their families because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.  In San Bernardino County, there are almost 5,000 children in foster care. These children need love, consiste...

Foster parents may not dispose or sell any personal items belonging to children placed with you without first discussing this with the child’s county social worker.  Any item of potential value that you do not wish to have in your home should be returned to the child’s parent or county social worker.  The only exception to this rule is clothing the ...

It is important that the foster children and birth children be treated as similarly as possible.  For example, if your birth children take dancing lessons or participate in sports, it is important that the foster children also have those opportunities.  Occasionally, a foster child will have a specific treatment issue that results in them needing su...

Foster parents ensure that information for the child(ren) in their care is available. Record keeping also includes monthly reports that include allowance tracking, daily activity tracking, daily progress notes/observation, among other things to track. When a child is placed with you, you should receive a file within 30 days which includes paperwork ...

Reimbursement Rates: The State of California has approved the following Levels of Care (LOC) and rates for foster parents: Basic Level-Level of Care 1:                   $1000 per month    ($32.26/per night Level of Care 2:                                        $1,112/month          ($35.87 per night) Level of Care 3:                               ...

Foster parents are required to give a "cash allowance" to children in foster care. This allowance ranges from $20 to $50 per month, depending on the child's age. Other factors to consider include social needs, maturity, level of responsibility, and previous history. You will be notified of the allowance amount.   You also need to consider which item...

The agency will take all reasonable efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of the children and parent(s) during the visitation. The organization has developed safety protocols that take into account court orders of protection, no contact orders, or other stipulations provided by Children and Family Services. The safety plan will include steps for ...

If we receive a complaint from any source, Community Care Licensing (CCL) conducts an investigation.  How investigations are handled depends upon whether the complaint involved an allegation of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.  If the complaint involves one of those issues, the police may be involved in the investigation. Community Care Lic...

Resource Families often ask about Child Care, including expenses associated with Child Care. Please be aware that when a Resource (Foster) Family signs up to provide foster care, this means that they are saying that they have the time and resources to provide quality care for children.  Children may be of school-age or younger. If of school-age, chi...

As a foster parent, you need to have your evacuation plan posted somewhere in your home.  This must be reviewed regularly with children in your home and with all new children.  Fire drills should be conducted once a month. In case of fire or other situation that renders your home uninhabitable, you need to contact your family social worker as soon a...

All children are encouraged to work, and those over age sixteen (16) will be expected to work during summer vacation.  During the school year, children may maintain a job if they have at least a C average in school.  During the last six (6) months in placement, the requirement for a C average may be waived to assist in preparing the child for indepe...

The Resource Family Written Report is a comprehensive assessment of an applicant.  Identifying information of an applicant, any adopted, biological, or guardianship children residing in the home, and any adults residing or regularly present in the home. A description of the physical features of the home Any identified concerns regarding an animal th...

Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Symptoms of a child who has been sexually abused may include: Overly compliant behavior Unusual sexual acting out and/or preoccupation with sex at an early age Detailed and age-inappropriate understanding of sexual behavior, especially intimate knowledge of adult sexual behavior Poor peer relationships or excessive paren...

Foster parents must consult with the agency social worker and child’s county social worker or parent regarding religious affiliation or attendance, dedications, baptisms, and any other religious activities. Religious beliefs, including celebrations, music, holidays, and customs, must be respected and maintained during placement. Many creative plans ...

Your social worker will explain what the agency and, in many cases, the court has decided the contact between the parent and child should be. The “case plan” will outline how often and in what ways the parent and child should have contact....

Each child shall have personal rights which include the following: To be treated with respect. To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse, or other actions of a punitive nature, including but not limited to:  interference with the daily living functions, inc...

Congratulations on becoming a foster or adoptive parent or congratulations for your interest in serving as one. We know that it is a very special type of individual who opens up their home and heart, so we thank you and commend you. FosterQuest is designed to answer all your foster care questions. The slogan is "Knowledge Empowering Foster Parents"....

As an Approved Resource Family (or Certified Foster Parent), you are part of a treatment team who work together to meet the needs of your foster child.  You have entered into a relationship of "co-parenting", meaning that you are willing to work together with others to care for the child in your home. The Agency Social Worker (ASW) is your primary r...

Foster parents should do everything possible to ensure that foster children be dressed neatly and so that they look good and feel good about their appearance. It is the agency’s expectation that you will spend at least $70 per month on clothing for each foster child.  Although the agency does not have a minimum amount that foster parents must spend ...

When a child is removed or detained by the county social services agency, the county agency has certain legal obligations to identify and notify relatives (including siblings) of the child’s removal.  The county agency also has a legal obligation to assess those relatives and/or non-relative extended family members (NREFMs) for placement. In additio...

  Knotts Family Agency is an elite, premier, and leading Foster Care and Adoptions Agency in the region. This means that we the agency will cultivate the reputation as the agency that provides the best and highest quality support to Resource Parents and where children receive the best care in a nurturing environment. Resource Parents will know that ...

The complaint may be found to be: Substantiated (true, likely to have happened). Unfounded (false; could not have happened). Unsubstantiated (could not be proven true or false)....

Resource parents are responsible for providing transportation for children.  This includes transportation to medical, dental, vision, court and therapy appointments.  When appropriate, transportation may be needed to school, work, and other school-related activities.  When transporting children the following rules apply: Only approved adults over th...

Foster families must have safely operating vehicles that are insured. The vehicle should also be large enough to transport the family. You may be required to present a plan for responding to emergencies.   Some counties require that vehicles be large enough to transport the entire family at the same time. Car insurance must be provided. Vehicles mus...

Foster parents are called to provide care for children who have had an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). Children who have experienced abuse, neglect and/or multiple moves and caregivers often experience behavioral problems. Some of them can be obvious like crying and asking for the parent. Foster parents are often surprised that children who have...

Foster care regulations requires that all children age five (5) and under be placed when they first enter foster care with families who are willing to make a commitment that they are interested in adopting the child in reunification does not happen. The reason for this is so children do not have to be moved yet another time in order to have the perm...

Foster parents need to have their evacuation plan posted somewhere in the home.  This must be reviewed regularly with children in your home and with all new children.  Fire drills should be conducted once a month. In case of fire or other situation that renders your home uninhabitable, you need to contact your family social worker as soon as possibl...

“Child and family team" means a group of individuals who are convened by the placing agency (i.e. county) and who are engaged through a variety of team-based processes to identify the strengths and needs of the child or youth and his or her family, and to help achieve positive outcomes for safety, permanency, and well-being. The activities of the te...

You receive a monthly stipend to reimburse you for the care of your foster child.  The reimbursement amount is based on the “Level of Care” (no longer by age). This amount is adequate to cover the child’s basic needs.  With this money, you are expected to provide food, clothing, recreation, transportation, and school needs. Your payment is received ...

The number of foster children that can be placed in a foster home varies depending on the size and capacity of the home.  California State Licensing Regulations through the Written Directives and Interim Licensing Standards, set an absolute limit of six children who can reside in a foster home, with no more than four children per bedroom.  This limi...

A swimming pool at a resource home must be completely fenced or have other barriers (consult with the agency to determine what other alternatives are available).  It is not acceptable for there to be a window overlooking the pool without fencing between the house and the pool.  The fence must be at least five (5) feet tall, and must be constructed s...

Foster parents need to ensure that children special days are recognized, this includes birthday and holiday celebration.   We encourage celebrations. Make the child part of your family. If your religious views do not permit such celebrations, we need to be aware of that fact and children being placed need to be aware of your religious views on the s...

Children have an attorney appointment to represent them in the regular court hearings.  It is this lawyer’s responsibility to represent the needs and desires of the child in court.  The lawyer will usually have a telephone contact with the child prior to the court hearing.  They also often have an investigator who works for them visit with the child...

Agency Social Worker and County Social Worker are required to visit your home to verify the health and well being of the child, and in the case of the agency worker, also ensure that foster parents have the support needed to be successful. Foster parents cannot deny or refuse entry to the home. That is not only unacceptable but potentially a violati...

A complaint is an allegation that a regulation or law is being violated (e.g. Title 22 or Interim Licensing Standards). The source of the information may be a child, parent, relative, neighbor, teacher, doctor, therapist, wraparound team member, social worker, or other person. The law requires an investigation of all complaints. However, the complai...

The home and grounds of a Resource Family shall meet the requirements specified in this  section and the following requirements: (1)    The home shall be clean, safe, sanitary, and in good repair. (2)    Except for a home with a sprinkler system, a home shall have an approved, commercially manufactured, and functioning carbon monoxide detector and s...

To become a foster or adoptive parent (resource parent), the following requirements must be met: Must be at least 21 years of age Background: Must have no criminal history that will prevent you from being a foster parent. Identification or Driver’s license: Possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Ability to transport children. No mi...

Children may not have telephone or personal contact with any biological family member unless the child’s county worker has approved that contact in advance.  In most cases, visitation will be arranged by the agency social  worker in coordination with the county social worker. In most cases, visits are supervised at the county social service office b...

All children need nutritious food. Assume no stereotypical preferences. If children request ethnic food or food preparation, such as seasonings, this should be provided to them. By honoring such requests, you help minimize the traumatic effects associated with uprooting a child. Keep in mind that research has shown that food has significant effects ...

Foster parents have a legal obligation to keep information about your foster child confidential. The social worker shares information with you to help you understand the child and to explain why he must live away from his own parents for a period of time. This information is confidential and may not be discussed with others. The child's social worke...

For children initially placed in out-of-home care that do not have a complete inventory of clothes, the following guidelines are provided as average monthly amounts.  If a child has 75% of sufficient clothing, the parent/caregiver has six months to purchase the clothing to bring them to 100%. If the child has 50% of sufficient clothing, the parent/c...

Foster parents must enroll the child in school immediately after he/she has been placed in your home. You have the authority to enroll the student in school and sign forms where signature of parent/guardian is requested. Contact the child’s social worker for assistance. If the child will be remaining in the same school he was attending previously, u...

SUPERVISION Foster children of any age may not be left in your home without adult supervision. Resource parents must be aware of the whereabouts of the foster child at all times.  They may go to a friend’s house if you have met the parents, and if the parents are going to be home.  You must know the address and phone number for the friend. Children ...

Most children who are placed in foster care will eventually reunify with their families. The social worker will share information with you about the reunification plan and your role in helping to achieve this goal. As a foster parent, you are expected to: Help maintain or support the development of the child-parent attachment. Model and discuss appr...

Foster family agencies must ensure that resource parents are informed of the content specified in Welfare and Institutions Code section 16519.5(g)(13). Including, but not be limited to, all of the following topics: An overview of the child protective and probation systems. The effects of trauma, including grief and loss, and child abuse and neglect,...

Adolescents who leave foster care without permission may encounter dangerous situations and place burdens on many government agencies, including child welfare and police.  AWOL is the term used to describe when a child leaves without permission. Some call this "running away". Some children develop  chronic AWOL histories. Most teens going AWOL from ...

The capacity of the home may not exceed six, including adopted, biological, and guardianship children, and children of a minor or nonminor dependent parent residing in the home, unless the foster family agency obtains an approved Documented Alternative Plan. Bedroom sharing arrangement take into account The age of the children and/or nonminor depend...

Before an individual can obtain a community care license, or provide services, work or reside in a community care facility, he/she must receive a criminal record clearance from the Caregiver Background Check Bureau (CBCB). An individual convicted of any crime other than minor traffic violations is disqualified unless the California Department of Soc...

Because foster parents are generous people, they frequently like to provide their foster children with extra gifts (bicycles, dolls, sports equipment, etc.). Your generosity, of course, depends on your own circumstances. You are not expected to provide all these extras, but neither are these gifts discouraged. However, when you do give a gift, make ...

During the Approval Process it is important that foster parents notify the resource family evaluation representative (keep the telephone number handy) prior to or as soon as possible for any of the following occurrences: You decide to move. If you move, your new home must be re-evaluated immediately. Although the state of California now allows the f...

Psychotropic medications are medications that are intended to help control behavior or to restore emotional balance.  These medications have additional requirements and documentation. THERE MUST BE A COURT ORDER AUTHORIZING PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE MEDICATION BEING ADMINISTERED.  If your doctor wants to prescribe any psychotropic medica...

“Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard” means careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the child’s health, safety, and best interests. Goal of the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard: Provide the youth with a “normal” life experience in out home care. Empower the out-of-home caregiver to encourage youth to engage in extracurricular ...

Foster parents are always to ensure the safety of the children in care. The following are items which foster children are not permitted to have in their possession.  If any of these items are found, they should be turned over to the family social worker or packed away and returned to the child’s county worker. Inappropriate clothing items should be ...

Some of the children in foster care also see a therapist.  The therapist also is part of the Treatment Team, along with you and the Agency Social Worker.  The therapist’s role is to work individually with the foster child to help the child deal with the feelings that arise when a child has been physically or sexually abused and has been abandoned.  ...

Under certain conditions, there will be need for foster parents to prepare for planned moves of children. Check the child out of school, and turn in any schoolbooks.  For junior high and high school students, obtain a copy of their current class schedule to facilitate entry into the next school.  If you do not have a copy of the latest IEP for a spe...

The  California Department of Social Services shall notify foster family agency to act immediately to remove from the home are bar from entering the home any person  who has been convicted off or is awaiting trial for a sex offense against a minor any person who's been convicted of a felony and other crimes. Upon notification, the foster family agen...

Foster parents should be aware that all foster family agencies are notified of the availability of children at the same time. With rare exceptions, specific homes or agencies may be called, depending on their area of expertise. The Central Placement Unity (the county), sends out notifications of children to all agencies. Agencies then consult intern...

Accepting and evaluating applications to be a resource family must be done without regard to age, sex, race, religion, color, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or ancestry....

Each child will have access to medical care either through the parent’s medical insurance or Medi-Cal. Your social worker will be able to tell you which program applies to each child and help you get the necessary paperwork. Foster parents do not have to worry about health insurance or health care for the children in their home because all foster ch...

Children in foster care may also be designated as "special education students". If your child is a special education student, there are special procedures that need to be followed.  Every special education student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP).  There must be IEP meetings at least once a year to review the child’s progress and make a plan f...

Foster parents often ask about their role in regards to school. Note that foster parents are responsible for ensuring that their child(ren) are doing well in school. It may be very difficult for the child to concentrate and to excel in school, given the trauma they have experienced, but through the care and support received from foster parents, many...

Depending on the nature of the complaint, the Community Care Licensing Investigator will: Come to your home (this home visit is generally unannounced) per regulation. Tell you about the complaint verbally and in writing. Talk to the foster children. The investigator may see the children at school or some other location before you know about the comp...

Symptoms of Physical Abuse may include: Flat or depressed affect Hyper-vigilance Problems with trusting Inability to play Hyperactivity Feelings of shame and doubt Low self-esteem Anger Aggression Isolating Behavior Passivity School Problems Behavioral problems and Acting Out Emotional Liability...

There are times in which a child has to be moved from your home due to discharge. Discharge is likely to be to reunify with birth or biological relatives. Although parents and agency personnel may grow attached to the child, we celebrate when a child is reunified, if the birth relatives have indeed done what they needed to do to regain custody of ch...

Applicant foster parents are required to have knowledge or ability to demonstrate an understanding of the following: The safety, permanence, protection, and well-being needs of children and nonminor dependents who have been victims of child abuse and neglect. The needs and development of children and nonminor dependents.  Effective parenting skills ...

Children may become sick or ill. When a new child is placed in your home, you need to be sure to obtain a medical consent form and the child’s medical card.  If the child comes with prescription medications, you will need to do the following: Call the prescribing physician to confirm that the child is to be taking the medication and confirm the dosa...

You might have a restriction on how far from home you are allowed to take a foster child; conversely, you might be able to take a child out of the country for a vacation. Even if you know that you are allowed to travel out-of-state in order to visit relatives, you'll have to inform the fostering agency of your plans. All travel, must have the writte...

Foster parents may need to go on vacation, leave town for work, or leave due to an emergency such as a death in the family or health concern, and foster parents will need to make plans for the children to be placed temporarily in another home. This is called "Respite". Parent may need "Respite" just so they can "self-nurture" or spend time relaxing ...

The county social worker  (CSW) also known in the county as a Social Services Practitioner, is the social worker or probation officer who places the child with Knotts Family Agency.  The county worker is responsible for the child’s safety and insuring that the child’s needs are being met.  How often you see the county worker depends upon the case pl...

Foster parents are expected to ensure that children in their care have appropriate clothing in quantity and quality. Some counties require a specific dollar amount to spent each month on each child. Foster parents then submit receipts with confirmation of purchase. On a quarterly basis, assess the clothing supply of the child . Verify that the careg...

A Resource Family shall ensure that swimming pools, fixed-in-place wading pools, hot tubs, spas, or similar bodies of water are inaccessible if he or she accepts placement of any of the following individuals: A child under ten years of age. A child who is developmentally, mentally, or physically disabled. A nonminor dependent who is developmentally,...

Foster-to-Adopt One route to adoption is fost-adopt. In this case, the prospective adoptive parent has completed the Resource Family Approval process and is therefore also approved as a foster parent. This means that the child may be placed in your home as a “foster child” first, then, if the child is eligible for adoption, the resource family can s...

No one plans for this. But if a foster child dies for any reason, you must call the agency social worker and the county social worker immediately. If the worker is not available, call the supervisor, or manager. The social worker will: Call law enforcement to locate the death report if an officer was present after the child’s death. Notify the child...

Each infant, or child requiring a crib, shall be provided with an individual, safe, and sturdy bassinet or crib as appropriate to the age and size of the infant or child. The following shall apply to cribs: Tiered or stacked cribs, or cribs with drop sides, shall not be used. Crib slats shall not pose the danger of an infant or child being trapped. ...

Foster care reimbursement payments are exempt from both State and Federal income taxes. If you need additional information, contact a tax consultant or the Internal Revenue Service. NOTE: Do not claim your foster child as a dependent without checking with the IRS or a tax consultant....

Emotional abuse is not specifically defined as a distinct category or reportable child abuse in the Reporting Law. While the law omits clear guidelines for defining emotional abuse and emotional neglect, the category of "willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment" includes the prohibition against "unjustifiable mental suffering." Emotional Abuse ma...

Foster parents are responsible for looking after the health and well-being of children placed in your care. This includes such things as obtaining appropriate medical and dental care, providing nourishing, well-balanced meals, enrolling the child in school, taking an active interest in his schoolwork and social activities, and providing adequate clo...

Medication should be stored and inaccessible for children. MEDICATION STORAGE All medications (not just prescription medication) must be kept in a locked place. All medications must be labeled and maintained in compliance with label instructions. No medication may be transferred from its original container. MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION: Records must be...

Foster parents have the opportunity of being role models for teens. When an argument is about to break out, remember the following:  Never shout, yell, or raise your voice at a child or teen. There is no point in arguing or have great arguments with a child or a teen. This only escalates the issue and brings the parent down to the level of the child...

CHILD CARE You can use relatives or close friend’s for occasional babysitting without that person being fingerprinted under some circumstances.  This must not be a routine, daily occurrence, and cannot last for longer than 24 hours.  You need to be very cautious in making use of such people.  It needs to be people you know very well, and that you ar...

Foster parent must obtain authorization to cut the child's hair and piercings. Always! You need to check with your family social worker prior to getting a child’s haircut.  Foster parent and the agency must  get permission from the child’s parents in any situation where there is active parental involvement.  Always consult with your agency social wo...

If your home is damaged by fire, earthquake or other disaster, notify your agency  social worker as soon as possible and provide the following information: Location of temporary residence, telephone number and name of individuals residing in the residence.  If you are going to be staying with friends or relatives until your home is habitable, the ad...

Foster Parents and Adoption Parents deserve the best support. As part of our commitment to Happy Parents Nurturing Children, we believe in “continuous improvement”, which means, always finding ways to innovate and improve our actions. The following five (5) strategic priorities guide the discussion about making sure foster and adoptive parents are m...

All information regarding your foster children is confidential.  You may not share information regarding why children are in foster care or the birth parent’s situation with your friends or relatives.  The privacy of your child is VERY IMPORTANT. Please do NOT discuss your child with other Resource Parents or with ANYONE outside of the agency or cou...

Prospective Resource Parents must complete a minimum of 12 hours of pre-approval training. Topics include but not limited to the following: A Resource Family orientation  Knowledge and skills relating to the reasonable and prudent parent standard Options for permanency. Birth parent relationships and safety issues regarding contact. The importance o...

California Child Abuse Reporting Laws define child abuse as: Non-Accidental physical injury caused by an individual or other Willful cruelty or unjustified punishment Sexual abuse/exploitation, Infliction of mental or emotional suffering.  California Child Abuse Reporting Laws define child neglect as: Neglect by a parent or caretaker who fails to pr...

Positive rewards are the most effective method of changing a child’s behavior.  Your agency social worker will help you develop a plan of positive rewards that works best for you and your foster children. DISCIPLINE RULES: Never use physical punishment. Again, NEVER use physical punishment or restraint. Be consistent in your discipline philosophy an...

Foster parents must demonstrate that they are financially stable. This may be accomplished by providing a verifiable  source of income to take care of your family. California State Regulations require that foster families must be able to meet all their family’s financial needs. Foster Care cannot be used as income for this purpose.  Keep in mind tha...

The County Clearance is the process after the Agency Approval. In California, applicants for foster parenting or adoptions may apply to either a private foster family agency or the county public foster family agency. Some counties do not operate a foster family unit and instead only have private foster families providing this service in their county...

Placements are made by considering each child individually and choosing the foster home that will best meet his needs. Some of the many factors that may determine placement include: RACIAL, ETHNIC, LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL background of the child, his family, and the foster family. It is easier for a child to be placed in a home where adjustments and c...

Most of our children come to the foster family agency with very few pictures of themselves or items such as report cards that we take for granted.  We want to insure that children do not leave our care in the same situation.  We encourage you to establish a separate photo album or life book for each foster child.  If the child does have pictures fro...

Articles are written for the "layperson", the regular individual who is interested in getting information about what it means to be or become a foster or adoptive parent. In California, the term Resource Family is used to cover individuals approved (licensed) to serve as foster or adoptive parents. The articles in this Knowledge Base do not constitu...

Home environment assessment” means a component  of  the  Resource Family Approval process which requires an applicant to meet standards that include, but are not limited to, a background check, health and safety assessment of the home and grounds, outdoor activity space, and storage areas of the home, and capacity determination. The assessment inclu...

Adoption is the legal process of establishing a legal parent-child relationship when the adopting parent is not the child’s biological or birth parent. Adoption means taking a child into your home as a permanent family member. Unlike foster care, adoption is long term and intended to be permanent. In adoptions you are publicly and legally stating th...

Unless prohibited by the Court, children are allowed to call and receive calls from their families. Discuss with the social worker whether calls are to be monitored. Work with the birth parent regarding times and dates that are convenient for both of you. If the parent requests permission to call you collect, contact the social worker. Discuss guide...

All infants must be bathed daily and older children must be allowed to bathe daily. Appropriate personal care products should be applied or available after bathing and throughout the day as needed. All skin, regardless of ethnicity, will burn if not protected. Proper sunscreen should be applied when needed and made available throughout the year. Not...

SAFETY Any firearm must be either locked or have the firing pin removed.  Ammunition must be locked in a separate location from the gun.  All medications must be stored in a locked box.  Any poisons or pesticides must be stored in a locked container. Cleaning supplies must be stored so they are inaccessible to foster children. All knives must be ina...

Your foster child’s social worker should give you the following information and/or records on the day of placement if at all possible. Ask the worker about each of these items and make notes. [ ] A Consent for Treatment [ ] A Medi-Cal card for each child (client identification number and issue date until card is received). [ ] A Copy of child’s birt...

California law REQUIRES certain persons to report known or suspected child abuse. As a licensee or an employee at a licensed facility or a child care institution. Resource families (foster / adoptive parents) are one of those persons - a "mandated reporter." PERSONS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ABUSE Mandated reporters include a licensee, an administr...

Foster families are required to ensure that the following documents are posted in a public location in the house: Home Certificate of Approval (e.g. license) Facility sketch, a drawing of the layout of the home, including backyard Emergency plan containing key phone numbers and contact information Children Personal Rights...

Foster parents may work full time and have foster children over the age of 5 years. Some counties require that for children 5 and younger that an at home parent is available.  Infants and toddlers need the full time care provided by an at-home parent.   Additionally, foster parents who work full time usually are not available when social workers nee...

First Aid and CPR training are not considered part of the minimum 12 hours of training before approval. Applicants and approved resource families now have up to 90 days after approval to complete the First Aid and CPR. Training must be provided by a reputable source. Online training is acceptable. However, a hands-on component is strongly recommende...

Foster parents often wonder how soon they will receive a placement. It is difficult to predict when foster families will get their  first placement. Generally speaking, if working with a private foster family agency, you complete the approval process, and receive your certificate of approval. The agency is authorized to approve the Resource Family. ...

Symptoms of Emotional Abuse may include: Withdrawn, depressed, and apathetic Acts out and has behavioral problem Is overly rigid in conforming to instructions from teachers or other adults Displays other signs of emotional turmoil like repetitive movements Pays inordinate attention to detail Does not communicate verbally or physically with others La...

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring before age 18. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect as well as parental mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, and domestic violence. A landmark study in the 1990s found a significant relationship between the number of ACEs a person experienced and a variety o...

The agency makes every attempt to provide resource parents information about a potential child in advance of placement. In most situations, we will strive to provide fourteen (14) days advance notice prior to moving a child from your home. The exception to that rule is if there is a complaint that involves concerns regarding the child’s health and s...

You should open a savings account in the child’s name if the child saves more than $100.  If your foster child is employed, please encourage them to save a minimum of half of their salary.  Savings accounts MUST require two signatures to remove funds.  The first signature should be the child’s, and the second one should be the foster parents or the ...

You have the following rights: To accept or refuse the placement of a child. To be reimbursed the basic care rate in a timely manner for a foster child. To have a clear understanding of your role (as a foster parent) and of the Agency's role. To continue your own family patterns, routines, and values so long as these do not infringe on a foster chil...

Among foster children, if the physician orders that a medication be discontinued prior to using all of the medication, the medication must be destroyed in the presence of the agency  social worker.  The appropriate form will then be completed by the family social worker and kept in your file....

Foster children may have a driver’s license under some circumstances.  The basic guidelines are as follows: The teen must have been in your home for a minimum of six (6) months. The teen must demonstrate their reliability by being where they are supposed to be, coming home on time, and taking care of responsibilities such as school attendance, homew...

Foster parents are required to have regular training on an ongoing basis. You are required to attend these training.  For pre-approval, you are required to attend a minimum of 12 hours of training each year to meet the basic requirement. However, if you wish to participate in programs that provide a higher reimbursement rate, additional training hou...

Symptoms of Neglect/Maltreatment may include: Disruptive behavior, including aggression toward others Changes in mood, including depression and anxiety Post-traumatic stress symptoms such as avoidance, hyper-arousal and re-experiencing symptoms (such as nightmares) Declining school performance Recurrent somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or h...

Wraparound is a strengths-based planning process that occurs in a team setting to engage with children, youth, and their families. Wraparound shifts focus away from a traditional service-driven, problem-based approach to care and instead follows a strengths-based, needs-driven approach.   The intent is to build on individual and family strengths to ...

Foster parents enter into a special relationship with the foster family agency and county. This could be called "co-parenting". Foster parents should be willing to make necessary changes in their home when requested by the agency and/or county representative to ensure that  maintain their home in compliance at all times. It is not a sign of disrespe...