Not every child in the foster care system has the same needs. Some children come into the system having been through significant trauma, meaning they need a higher level of support than what is offered in a typical foster placement. For those young people, intensive services foster care in California can be provided. This program is designed to support young people with complex behavioral, emotional, or mental health needs. There is great value in this type of care for the right child, but the process starts by determining who is eligible. 

Understanding Who ISFC is Designed to Serve

Intensive services foster care in California is meant for children who would otherwise be placed in group homes or residential treatment facilities. Specifically, that means it serves young people whose needs have been determined to meet the “intensive” standard, usually including a documented mental health diagnosis or history of trauma. Also, ISFC is used for children whose behavioral patterns require careful, consistent therapeutic intervention. This service can be provided by a caregiver in a licensed foster home who has received specialized ISFC training. 

What Makes ISFC Different | Intensive Services Foster Care in California

Intensive services foster care in California is a significantly different program than the general foster care setting. With ISFC, there is wraparound support built into every placement. The foster parents not only provide a home, but they also work as active partners alongside mental health professionals, social workers, and school staff to support the child’s development. For ISFC caregivers, there is enhanced training, more involved case management, access to clinical support, and many more resources. The ultimate goal with this program is to keep children out of an institution and in a family setting. This has been shown to lead to far better outcomes over the long run, so ISFC is a meaningful way to make a huge difference in the life of a young person.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, contact Children First Foster Family Agency or apply to become a resource parent. 

Children First FFA is a private, non-profit organization in Northern California that is dedicated to helping change lives by providing a safe place for children to heal in a culture of love, acceptance, and consistency.