Call Foster VC Kids 805-654-3220
Does your home have a lot of heart and a little more room?
We’re seeking foster parents who can provide children Homes with Heart! Follow these steps to get started:
Review the list of responsibilities, steps and requirements (below) for fostering and adoption to see if you are eligible.
Look through Children and Family Service’s support services (below) as well as those of our local Foster Family Agencies (FFAs).
Decide on the level of care you could provide. If you are unable to commit to foster care or adoption, check out other ways to help here.
Contact Foster VC Kids or one of our FFA partners with questions and to help you take the next step – foster care training!
Need more information before you take the next step?
County Requirements for Fostering and Adoption
Prospective fostering and adoptive parents may be single or married and must be at least 18 years of age, financially stable, and responsible, mature adults.
You will also need to:
- Complete Resource Family Orientation. Click here to view the online orientation session.
- Complete the 21st Century Caregiver Training Series (including First Aid and CPR Certification).
- After completing the 21st Century Caregiver Training Series fill out the contact form so a member of the Foster VC Kids team can contact you to set you up with our online Application portal. Our Binti Application portal allows you to access and complete your application quickly and easily, on your own time.
- Successfully complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
- Complete Comprehensive Resource Family Assessment
Once you receive RFA approval, you will have the opportunity to open your home with heart to children in need of love and support.
The Resource Family Approval or “RFA” Program was designed to:
- Implement a unified family-friendly and child-centered approval process to replace the existing multiple processes for licensing foster family homes.
- Approve Relatives and Non-Relative extended family members as foster care
providers, and; - Approve families for legal guardianship or adoption.
For questions regarding your application or the approval process, contact RFA Staff at 805-654-3405. For general foster care questions, contact Foster VC Kids staff at 805-654-3220.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the basic requirements, fostering families must also comply with state regulations related to foster care facilities:
- Have adequate sleeping space.
- Not provide foster care or daycare for more than six children in your home.
- Agree to a non-physical discipline policy.
- Permit fire, health and safety inspections of the home.
- Vaccinate all pets according to state and agency standards.
- Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification.
- Obtain TB testing as required by the local health department for household members.
- Attend a minimum of 8 hours of training each year.
- Provide transportation for child’s medical and parental visits.
Contact us with any questions you have!
What support is available to fostering parents?
Fostering Parents are offered a wide range of financial, emotional, and practical support. See our Resource pages. All licensed fostering parents are provided a monthly reimbursement to enable them to meet the child’s needs. View the Rate Sheet for Foster Parents here. Fostering parents who take in children with special needs are often reimbursed at a higher rate.
More questions? Go to our FAQ page here.