Q: How much information is required?

• Your lifestyle, family, family members and relationships
• Your home (size, number of rooms, sleeping arrangements, etc.).
• Your own income and that of your household
• Health of all family members
   

The child welfare principle of "The Right Home for the Right Child" is used in order to place each child properly.  It is expected and required that the Department obtain all needed information to study and evaluate prospective foster parents and their homes before making the recommendation to issue the license.
 

Q: What happens at an Orientation Meeting?
 

A: California law requires that any home caring for a child must be licensed if the child is not closely related to the foster family. This is for the protection of children who must live apart from their parents.  In order to protect these children, most of whom have already suffered abuse and/or neglect, we must ensure that the people who will be taking care of them are not only emotionally mature and able to deal with the children's issues, but are healthy with enough income to meet their own needs, of good character and free of criminal history - particularly child abuse related history.  Think of it this way: If your children were to need foster care, what sort of person would you want looking after them?
 

Q: Will I need a medical clearance?
 

A: A medical clearance will be required of both parents. All members of the foster family must be in good health, both physically and mentally free from defects or disabilities which would create problems in the care of the children. The foster parents must be able to carry out the extra responsibilities of caring for foster children without harming them, their own health, or the health and care of their family.
 

Q: What are some of the reasons an applicant would be denied a license?
 

A: There are several reasons an applicant would be denied a license. These include, but are not limited to:

CRIMINAL HISTORY

State licensing regulations state that any criminal conviction will result in that person's application for a foster home license being denied. However, a person with a criminal history may apply for an exception; such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis only. An applicant on parole or probation will be automatically denied. Furthermore, any recent offenses or drug-related crimes, violent crimes or crimes against children will result in an automatic denial.

LACK OF SUFFICIENT INCOME

An applicant must have adequate income to meet personal living expenses (i.e., rent, utilities, groceries, etc.), before being licensed. Foster Care payments are considered reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of the foster child and are paid 30-45 days after the child is placed with the caretaker.

POOR HEALTH

Applicants must be in good health as indicated by a physician's report and physically and mentally free from defects or disabilities which would create problems in the care of the children. The foster parents must be able to carry out the extra responsibilities of caring for foster children without harming them, their own health, or the health and care of their family.

Q: I've already been fingerprinted through my job. Will I need to do it again?

A: Yes. We will call you to schedule an appointment through our office at the Human Services Agency.