Yes. Families are needed for children and youth from newborn to 18. You can specify the age and gender of the child in your care as is appropriate for your family, and you always reserve the right to decline the placement of a child in your home.

Resource parents receive a monthly reimbursement that helps cover the cost of food, clothing, and other basic needs of children and youth in care. MediCal covers the cost of medical, dental, and counseling services for children and youth in care.

Each family or child is assigned a case manager who is responsible for providing support to the resource family. Supportive services (respite care, training, crisis lines, counseling, etc.) are provided by the agency.

Depending on the circumstances, a child may be placed in a resource home for one day or for several months to several years. Placement is for as long as it takes to achieve a permanent placement for the child, whether the plan is for reunification with the child's family, placement with relatives, or adoption.

There are just a few universal requirements to become a resource parent: Age 18 or older Criminal background check Family stability Character references Regular source of income Home safety inspection Family evaluation

Foster care is a temporary placement of children and youth with families outside of their own home due to child abuse or neglect. The goal is to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the child until such time as they can safely return to their home.