Adopting a child is one of the most rewarding experiences that life has to offer. If you have been hoping to start a family and are looking toward adoption as your chosen path, there are many exciting moments – and some challenges – that lie ahead. When you foster to adopt in California, it’s important to understand how the process works so you can be prepared for the journey that you are about to take on. 

The Basic Process

The first thing that everyone in this process needs to understand about foster care is that the primary goal of the system is to reunify young people with their parents. While it is possible to foster to adopt in California, that is not a guaranteed outcome – the system will first work toward reunification, and when it is determined that such a result is not going to happen, the child may become eligible for adoption. Of course, before you can foster to adopt in California, you will first need to become qualified as a foster parent by going through all of the required steps such as orientation, training, background check, and more. With those hurdles cleared, you can start serving your community as a foster parent and open up the possibility of adopting one or more of the children placed in your care. 

Having Support On Your Side

If you are feeling a bit intimidated by the prospect of trying to eventually adopt out of the foster program, don’t worry – that’s perfectly natural and you won’t be alone as you go through this journey. You can lean on the support of your agency to get you through any difficult moments, answer questions you may have, and make sure you understand what to expect along the way. Everyone involved wants to see you and the child succeed and will be working hard to make that happen.

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.