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Becoming a foster parent can be incredibly rewarding work. There are few other ways you can dramatically turn around the life of a child. If you'd like to learn how to become a foster parent in California, this page can help you get started.
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80,000 Children in California's Foster Care System
This December 2008 commercial for AspiraNet, a non-profit family services agency in California features Lynnette Cole who was Miss USA in 2000. Coles describes how she was a foster child, who was later adopted into "a loving family". The video mentions that there are 80,000 children in California's foster care system.
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Introduction
Becoming a foster parent is not a quick or easy decision, and its not a quick or easy process. You're making a serious commitment, and must meet the strict criteria set out by the state of California before you can be licensed to take children into your home.. -
Step 1: About Foster Parenting
Foster parents are temporary caregivers for children They step in when the childrens' parents are unable to fufill their parental responsibilities. Foster parents bring children into their homes, nurture and care for them, on a temporary basis. Foster children may stay with the foster parents a long time, if they are not free for adoption and cannot be returned to their families, but some children are only fostered for days or weeks. Foster parents need to be flexible and committed to meeting the needs of the children who are placed with them. -
Step 2: How To Become A Foster Parent In California
In order to become a foster parent in California, you need to be licensed by the state. In order to be licensed as a foster parent in California, you need to pass a background check, be interviewed by state social workers interview and have a home visit. Your home must also comply with minimum space and safety requirements. Other members of your family, such as adult children who share your home, may also be required to pass a background check before you can be issued a license to take foster children into your home. -
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Step 3: Contact a California Licensing Agency
You can find a list of California state agencies that can issue a license for you to provide residential care for children on the CDSS website. You can also contact the statewide program office by calling (916) 445-4351. -
