Foster Home Licensing

The State of California requires that any person who provides care and supervision for a child under the age of 18 on a full-time basis must obtain a Foster Family Home License. A guardian, close relative or Non-related Extended Family Member (someone with a pre-established, close relationship with the child—i.e. teacher, neighbor, family friend, etc.) may be exempt from this requirement, but must still be assessed by our Agency for the placement of a dependent child.

Orange County Department of Social Services’ Children and Family Services is an authorized foster home licensing agency for the California Department of Social Services’ Community Care Licensing Division. Our Agency is responsible for all licensing functions within the County of Orange including processing licensing applications, conducting annual on-site visits and conducting complaint investigations.