If you are interested in foster parenting in California, you likely have more questions than answers about how the process works and what it involves. There is a lot to learn, so we’d like to share some questions and answers below that will help you better understand what foster care looks like and how you could play an important role in the system. 

What Are the Basic Requirements to Become a Foster Parent?

There are a number of fundamental requirements that you will need to check off in order to get started with foster parenting in California. As a starting point, you must be at least 18 years of age, pass a criminal background check, go through a home safety inspection, and demonstrate a regular source of income. It is also necessary to show the overall stability of your family life and provide character references who will speak to your ability to act as a reliable and trustworthy foster parent for vulnerable young people. 

Do Foster Parents Receive Any Support? | Foster Parenting in California

Absolutely – foster parents receive support in a number of ways throughout their journey. For starters, foster parenting in California comes with a monthly stipend to help the parent pay for necessary things for the child in their care, such as food, clothing, and other essentials. Also, as a foster parent, you will have access to caseworkers who can help you confront the challenges that may come up along the way, and you could participate in support groups and other types of activities to share your experiences and connect with those in a similar situation. 

How Long Does a Foster Child Stay in a Home?

There is no one set time that a foster child will stay in your home during a placement. In some cases, it could be a very short stay before the child is reunified with his or her family. In other cases, it might be that the foster child needs a home until they reach adulthood or are able to be adopted by their foster parent or another party. 

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.