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Foster parents are people who provide a caring temporary home environment for children unable to live with their birth families. Foster parents can be married or single; renters or homeowners; with or without children of their own; and can also work outside the home.
Foster children range in age from infancy to late teens. Their backgrounds cross all ethnic and economic lines. Most have been abused, neglected or abandoned, and often have experienced physical, emotional or social deprivation in the early years. Increasing numbers of infants and toddlers are entering foster care. The children who currently need homes the most are infants and toddlers, drug exposed babies, older children, sibling groups, medically involved children, and children with special developmental, educational and emotional needs. Homes for Hispanic, Vietnamese and African American children and teenage mothers and their babies are also needed.
The Juvenile Court orders out-of-home placement for children when their own parents are unable to provide a safe environment and basic care to meet the children's needs. The rules affecting children entering foster care are established and monitored by the State and Federal government. These children depend on the Social Services Agency and foster parents working as a team to provide a temporary, safe and loving home environment.
Many of them do, to some degree. Many are frightened and confused at the sudden separation from their parents. Some are angry. Others may think they are being sent to a foster home as punishment. Even babies may be fretful and irritable at first. These problems gradually lessen, as a foster child comes to trust that you care for him or her.
Placement of a foster child can vary from a few weeks to a number of years depending on the child's needs and family situation. Our goal is to reunite families as soon as this is safely possible. Social Workers cannot always predict how long that will take.
Whenever possible, yes. Children need to remain in touch with their families, since the goal in most cases is for the child to return home. However, your involvement with the child's family is determined on an individual basis.
Like foster children, foster parents come from all segments of society and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Foster parents can be married or single. Foster parents can work, in or out of the home. While there are no income requirements you will be asked to show that you are able to meet your own family's financial obligations. Foster parents can own their own home or rent an apartment, however, the living quarters must be large enough to provide adequate space, privacy and safety for all family members as well as comply with other state regulations.
The first step in the process of becoming a foster parent would be to call the Orange County Foster Care Information Line at 1- 888-871- KIDS. The decision to become a foster parent must be made with care, both by you and our agency. The State of California requires that foster parents be licensed. The process involves completing an application, a home safety check, a medical report, references, and a background check on all adults in the home. You are also required to complete a series of trainings, and provide proof of CPR/First Aid certification. Co-led by agency social workers and experienced foster/adoptive parents, these trainings help you to further understand the needs of foster children and their families and the system that serves them. The training is offered in English and Spanish.
The Social Services Agency looks for people who are willing and able to care for children, are good communicators, can problem-solve, and are able to express, accept and understand feelings. Foster parents must possess the maturity and capacity to provide for the physical and emotional needs of a child in crisis and must be willing to work cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
Most foster parents begin by caring for children who may be reunited with their birth parents or other family members. Sometimes, abused or neglected children need more intensive services. Foster parents who already have necessary skills, or are willing to be trained to meet the special needs of these foster children may become part of a "specialized" foster care program. These families receive extra training, support and a higher reimbursement rate. Some examples of "specialized" programs available in Orange County are:
- Free ongoing training and referrals to training
- Medical High-Risk Foster Families who care for medically involved children
- Emergency Shelter Foster Home - short-term foster care
- Developmental Disabilities - Families to care for children with developmental and physical disabilities
- Unconditional Placement Program - a program which ensures the availability of short-term emergency placements, 24 hours a day, for children with specialized needs
Very few. If you are not certified in first aid and CPR for Infants, Children & Adults, then you will be required to complete an authorized CPR/First Aid class which may cost you about $30-$40. A medical evaluation is also required. For many people this may be covered by their medical insurance, otherwise, you must pay the cost. The only other costs that may be associated with obtaining a foster family license would be for any improvements made to your home which are required to meet licensing standards, such as pool covers or fencing and child protective gates.
You can express a preference for the age and sex of the child you think would best fit with your family. You and your licensing social worker will decide jointly which children may be the best match for your family. You do not have to accept a child you do not think will be a good match.
Foster parents can work outside the home. Depending on the age of the child, there may be a need for the child to be in daycare or after-school care while the foster parent is at work. Arrangements for child care would be made by you, just as you would for your own child. The agency has a Child Care Reimbursement Program for those families using a licensed day care provider.
Foster children go to regular public schools. They would attend the schools in your neighborhood just as any other child in your family. Foster children may qualify for Special Education and support services just as any other child in your local school district. Foster children may attend private or parochial schools, but only if the tuition is paid from the monthly reimbursement you receive while they are in your care.
In most cases, yes. But if it involves out-of-state travel, you must call your child's social worker in advance for approval. Travel outside the Country requires the approval of the Juvenile Court, and will require some additional paperwork and advance planning. You are advised to contact your child's social worker as soon as possible to inquire if there would be any restrictions for the child to travel with you.
Yes, we ask that you include foster children in your family activities. But, if the foster child is of a different faith, he or she must be allowed to attend worship in that faith.
That depends on several factors such as your experience with children, how many children you have of your own, and how much room you have in your home. The maximum number, including your own children, is set by California licensing standards.
No, foster children can share a room with your own children or other foster children of the same sex, with a limit of two children in each bedroom. The child must have a bed of his or her own bed. A foster child, under the age of 2 years, may share a room with an adult.
Families receive a monthly reimbursement provided by the agency for a child's food, clothing, and incidentals. The amount varies with the age and special needs of the child. In addition to the monthly reimbursement, coverage is provided for the child's medical and dental expenses. A clothing allowance is provided at the time a child is placed in your home and once a year thereafter. The resources / funds provided are intended for the child's needs while in your care.
The first goal is to return foster children to their birth families, whenever that is possible. However, sometimes it is not possible for children to return home and the Agency must seek an alternative permanent home. If the permanent plan for the child involves adoption and the child has been living in your home, you may be given an opportunity to consider becoming the adoptive parent. At that time, you would need to meet all of the regular requirements for becoming an adoptive parent.
Yes. That is the hardest part about being a foster parent. You will certainly feel sad for a time, and feel a loss. It is only natural, since a part of the child will live in your heart forever. Many foster parents find comfort and understanding from other foster parents through support groups. Some foster parents find comfort in the fact that there will always be new foster children who will need their care and affection.
If you have prepared them well for the coming of a foster child and they understand the temporary nature of foster care, there should be few problems. The initial training that you receive will assist you in preparing your family and surrounding community.
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Adoption
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