How do I apply?
Step 1: Attend an Orientation
Foster Parent and Adoption Orientations provide an overview of the entire Foster Care and Adoption process. At the Orientations, you will also have to opportunity to meet with Social Workers and other foster and adoptive parents. Frequently a former foster child comes to the Orientations to describe their experiences with the Foster Care system.
The application process to adopt is almost exactly the same as applying to become a foster parent. In fact, in order to adopt through the county, the state of California requires that you are technically a foster parent (fost/adopt) first.
Step 2: Complete the Application Process
To receive a Licensing Application for Foster Care or Adoption after attending an Orientation, call (831) 347-2700 or e-mail us. A Resource Family Specialist can meet with you to complete the paperwork.
- Complete all required application forms. The forms are available on the Forms and Publications page.
- Complete the Livescan process. Livescan Fingerprints forms are required for each adult living in home, having significant contact with children or providing respite care. More information about Livescan.
- If you are planning to adopt, call the Licensing Unit at (831) 454-4867 to have an Adoption Livescan form mailed to you.
- Get a Home Inspection and Care Giver Assessment. A Licensing Social Worker will make a visit to inspect your home. Read the Foster Family Home Guide and/or the Manual of Policy and Procedures Foster Family Home [Title 22 Regulations, Div. 6, Chapter 9.5] for Article 1 and 2; Article 2 continued; Article 2 continued and 3; and Article 4 and 5 for a complete list of requirements.
- Get child CPR and First Aid Certification. Classes are available at the American Red Cross, Dominican Hospital, and at the Watsonville Community Hospital.
Step 3: Attend the Appropriate Training
P.R.I.D.E (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education) training is offered by Cabrillo College in both English and Spanish and is free of charge. The course must be completed before a home can be licensed. More information about PRIDE Training.