-
Who are the foster care children? +
Thousands of children in California's foster care system require temporary out-of-home care because of parent neglect, abuse, or exploitation. The biggest percentages are African American and Latino children. Some stay in foster care for weeks; some for years. The children are of all ages and varying needs. -
What is the role of a foster parent? +
Foster parents provide a supportive and stable family for children who cannot live with their birth parents until family problems are resolved. In most cases, foster parents work with social services staff to reunite the child with birth parents. Foster parents often provide care to many different children. -
How do I become a foster parent? +
A license is required to operate a foster home. The process requires a licensing worker to visit your home and meet with you and other family members. Minimum personal, safety, and space requirements are required by law. Foster parents work with social service staff to determine the type of child best suited for their home (i.e. age, health issues, and gender). -
Can I afford to become a foster parent? +
Foster parents receive a monthly payment to feed, clothe, and meet the material needs of the children placed in their care. -
What if my foster child gets sick? +
Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program. -
Can I still work? +
For working parents, appropriate child care arrangements must be made by the foster parents. -
Are there age limits? +
Age requirements are flexible as long as your health, energy, and desire are appropriate. Retired foster parents are also needed,
- 1
