Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a foster parent?
Anyone who is 21 years or older, in good health, and demonstrates an ability and interest in caring for children, and becomes licensed. Single, married, divorced, and gay individuals are encouraged to apply. Same sex couples are also, eligible.
Can I be a foster parent if I don't own my own home?
You do not need to own a home. You may own or rent a house, condominium, or apartment. The important thing is that you have room for a child in a safe living environment and that you can meet the child's needs.
How long will it take to get licensed?
That depends a lot on you. You must attend an orientation and complete the application process. You will be required to attend P.R.I.D.E classes and if interested in caring for young children will need to attend Options For Recovery classes too. If you move quickly you may get licensed within 2 to 3 months.
How soon after I get licensed will I have a foster child placed with me?
That depends on the age and gender of child you want to care for. The wider the age range the sooner a child will be placed with you. Foster children are entering or being moved in the foster care system on almost, a daily basis. However, if you only want a girl between the ages of two and five, it may take some time for her to be placed in your home.
Will I get to meet children and choose which one comes to stay with me?
At times a planned move occurs and there may be time for foster parents to meet children before they are moved. There are times too, when there is little time and an immediate home is needed for a child. When you are contacted about a child you always have the right to accept or decline.
How long will a foster child need foster care?
They may need foster care for a few hours or a few months. Some children may need care until they are returned to their families, adopted, or until they turn 18 years old.
What support will I receive?
A social worker will make visits to assess how the child is adjusting to the foster home and to give the foster child and foster parents an opportunity to discuss any problems. Foster parents will be expected to share information with the social worker concerning the child’s health, school, response to contact with birth parents, unmet needs, and any behavior or adjustment problems the child may have. Within the first month of a child's placement, foster parents will be invited to attend Coffee Connections, an informational meeting to help foster parents adjust to having a new child in the home.
Will I be reimbursed for a child's food, clothing, medical and dental costs?
When children are placed by the Human Services Department, a monthly stipend is issued to reimburse the foster parents for food, shelter, clothing, recreation and incidental costs. The stipend is a fixed rate based on the child's age. Typically, checks are mailed out the first of each month following the month of care. A Medi-Cal card is also provided to cover the medical, dental and prescription expenses related to the care of the foster child.
Do I need to have any special training to be a foster parent?
PRIDE training is provided free of cost and all perspective foster parents and adoptive parents must complete the 27 hours of training. If you want to care for children under the age of 5 years who have been exposed to either drugs or alcohol, you must also attend Options For Recovery classes. These are also free and total 20 hours.
What if I have never parented a child before?
It is not a requirement for you to have parented a child before. You must show an interest and ability to care for children. Whether you have parented a child or not you are required to do the PRIDE training and possibly the Options for Recovery training.
More Foster Parent FAQs from the State of California Department of Social Services
What kind of children are available for adoption?
The age range of children placed for adoptions ranges from infants through adolescents. Their ethnic background is roughly similar to the general popluation of Santa Cruz County. Most of these children have experienced substance exposure or neglect early in their lives and they are Dependents of the Juvenile Court.
Can I adopt a baby?
Yes, but it is likely to take much longer. There are many more children, ages kindergarten and older, waiting for adoptive homes.
How long does it take to adopt a child?
That depends on how flexible you are about the type of child you can include in your family. A wonderful child could be placed in your home within six months, as a foster parent. It will take an additional six months to two years to finalize the adoption if the court determines that the child cannot be safely returned to the biological parents.
Is there an age limit to be an adoptive parent?
No, but you have to be healthy and energetic enough to care for your child, and provide a safe, loving and stable home for your child.
Do I have to be married or make a certain amount of money?
No, we have many fantastic adoptive parents from all walks and ways of life. You can be married, single, divorced, widowed, older, younger, straight or LGBTQ. You can own your house or rent. You can have a big home or little home, be working, retired, a stay-at-home parent, on Social Security or receiving disability. We just care that you are able to provide a good, loving home for a child and that you are able to meet that child’s needs.
What kind of children are available for adoption?
The age range of children placed for adoptions ranges from infants through adolescents. Their ethnic background is roughly similar to the general popluation of Santa Cruz County. Most of these children have experienced substance exposure or neglect early in their lives and they are Dependents of the Juvenile Court.
Can I adopt a baby?
Yes, but it is likely to take much longer. There are many more children, ages kindergarten and older, waiting for adoptive homes.
How long does it take to adopt a child?
That depends on how flexible you are about the type of child you can include in your family. A wonderful child could be placed in your home within six months, as a foster parent. It will take an additional six months to two years to finalize the adoption if the court determines that the child cannot be safely returned to the biological parents.
Is there an age limit to be an adoptive parent?
No, but you have to be healthy and energetic enough to care for your child, and provide a safe, loving and stable home for your child.
Do I have to be married or make a certain amount of money?
No, we have many fantastic adoptive parents from all walks and ways of life. You can be married, single, divorced, widowed, older, younger, straight or LGBTQ. You can own your house or rent. You can have a big home or little home, be working, retired, a stay-at-home parent, on Social Security or receiving disability. We just care that you are able to provide a good, loving home for a child and that you are able to meet that child’s needs.