Overview

We have two programs for people interested in fostering children in care. (1) Fostering children who are dependents and were removed from the care of their families for as long as the children need out of home care and (2) Interim Fostering (Short-term) for those who are open to caring for newborn babies who need a loving home while a birth mother is considering making an adoption plan.  Usually these placements are just a few days, but can last up to be a few months.

These programs are for families  who are not looking to adopt the children in their care–they’re adults who want to make a positive difference in a child’s life.

For these programs you will need to be approved as Resource Parents.  Training, emotional support and financial reimbursement of assessment costs is provided. A social worker and agency nurse provide additional support. The same assessment and training is needed for Fost-adopt families.

If you’re interested in becoming a Resource Parent and opening your home to children in need, HFS can train and prepare you. Contact us for more information.

Interim Foster Care

HFS provides short term foster care for infants in the process of adoption. Our interim foster parents care only for the children placed with our agency, most of whom are already matched with an adoptive family. Birth parents may choose to have their child in HFS foster care to allow them time to explore their parenting options. Other reasons, such as legal, may require interim foster care before the child is placed with an adoptive family.

Foster Care

HFS provides long term foster care for dependent children in the custody of county’s child protective services. While some children are removed from the home of their natural parents for what is expected to be a short-term fostering placement, events can make it impossible for the child to return home within a limited timeframe. Foster parents receive monthly stipends and receive in-home supportive services from HFS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between being a foster parent and a Resource parent?

Before 2017, all certified families who cared for foster children were call “foster parents.”  Since 2017, the term has been changed to “Resource Parents” because California has made all the rules and regulations the same for foster parents, adoptive parents, and legal guardians.

2. What is the cost for being a Resource Parent?

If you are going to provide temporary care through either of our foster care programs, all related costs (finger printing, training, CPR/First Aid) will be reimbursed to you.

3. What if I already did foster training at another agency, does it count?

If you have already completed MAPP or PRIDE training in the last 3 years, we can used that for your initial training requirement.  You will still to complete some training prior to approval, but we have several resources available to you.

4. What if I was a foster/resource parent somewhere else before?

If you used to be or currently with another agency, we would need to contact that organization and get a copy of your previous home study/assessment and discuss the reason why you would want to switch over.

5. Would I need to be open 24 hours a day for a placement?

Most of the placements are pre-planned and during work hours for placements from the foster care system.  For those interested in interim fostering, there could be weekend placements, but usually they are planned with at least 48 hour window.

6. What if I go on vacation?

If you have a vacation planned, please inform your agency social worker so that we can plan accordingly.

7. What about medical care for the children we have placed in our home?

All children who would be placed in your care from these programs will come with medi-Cal for medical coverage.  For foster youth, this coverage will also include dental and therapeutic needs.