FOSTER PARENTING

  • Category Overview
    • Foster parents provide a supportive and stable family for children who cannot live with their birth parents until family problems are resolved. In most cases, foster parents work with social services staff to reunite the child with birth parents. Foster parents often provide care to many different children.
    • Serving as a foster parent entails many different ways to serve the orphans in our area. One way a foster parent serves an orphan is obvious, by providing shelter for the child. Another way to serve the orphan is by providing food and clothing. Finally and most importantly is providing a loving and caring home for the child.
    • There are many joys and blessings that come with being a foster parent. One of the blessings is providing a stable and God-centered home for the child. Another blessing is knowing that you are practicing true religion by caring for orphans.
    • Data/Statistics
      • 78,278 children were in the foster care system in California on July 1, 2006.
      • There were 37,015 child abuse reports filed in Orange County during 2003-2004.
      • In April 2005, there were a total of 2,743 children in out-of-home placements.
      • Of the 2,743 youth in out-of-home care, adolescents represent the largest group (36% or 999).
      • In 2003-2004, there were a total of 424 children placed into adoptive homes; 216 homes were approved for adoption; and 442 adoptions were finalized.
  • Qualifications /Requirements
    • Qualifications
      • You can be single or married.
      • You must be at least 18 years of age.
      • You may own or rent your home.
      • You do not need to have children of your own.
      • You must be self-s
      • You must be certified in first aid and CPR for infants.
      • You must be certified in first aid and CPR for infants.
    • Requirements (Orange County)
      • 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 the Orange County Department of Social Service’s Children and Family Services (OCDSSCFS) for the placement of a dependent child.
      • OCDSSCFS is responsible for all licensing functions within the County of Orange, including processing licensing applications, conducting annual on-site visits and conducting complaint investigations.
  • Process
    • The time it takes in becoming a foster parent is determined by the availability and the time the foster parent is dedicated to finishing the process. The typical time for the whole process would be approximately 12 weeks.
    • The costs of becoming a foster parent are 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.
  • Commitment Level Involved
    • In order to become a foster parent, there is a high level of commitment that is involved. Keep in mind that you are caring for a child that the state has entrusted in your hands. You are the guardian and parent while the child is in your home. There are regular visits from a social worker that is assigned to your child. Any medical issues are your responsibility as well.
  • Challenges, Barriers, and Misperceptions
    • Challenges
      • High commitment level for being a foster parent
      • Possible emotional and physical weariness
      • Bonding with the child - Emotional attachment
      • Reaction of other children in the home
      • Capacity of the foster mom to take on another child in the home
    • Barriers
      • Lack of time to commit to the child
      • Lack of space in the home
      • Fear of the type, history, condition of the child
    • Misperceptions
      • You need to be married to become a foster parent.
      • You cannot choose the gender, age, ethnic background and behavioral problems.
      • Foster parents are required to cover the medical cost of the child. The child is covered under Medi-Cal.
  • Next Step
    • Contact the Orange County Foster & Adoptive Parent Information Line at (888) 871-KIDS.
    • Attend an Agency Orientation.
    • Attend a Foster Care Orientation and pick up an application.
    • Submit an application.
    • Submit an application.
    • Become a Licensed Foster Parent. Upon the completion of all of the requirements for licensing your home, which include completion of a CPR/First Aid class and TB testing, a home inspection and training, you will become a licensed foster parent.
    • A Child is placed in your home.
adoption