Other paths in California:
AT A GLANCE
Dense — All metro areas: county Resource Family Approval (RFA) programs and extensive support services
Moderate — Mid-size counties: RFA programs, foster parent associations, training availability
Limited — Rural counties: RFA programs available; fewer specialized placements
90-120 days
RFA approval timeline; emergency placements possible before completion with 120-day finish requirement
Foster placement does not create legal parentage; concurrent planning enables adoption pathway if reunification not possible
Pre-birth parentage orders available; adoption termination of parental rights establishes full legal status
Foster care is a state-supervised system serving children who cannot safely remain with birth families. Resource Family Approval (RFA) is the single approval process for foster care, relative placement, guardianship, and foster-to-adopt.
Source: CDSS, California child welfare system
Orientation, application, background checks (Live Scan fingerprinting, CACI, DMV, sex offender registry), pre-approval training (12 hours—child development, trauma, birth family work), interviews and home/health safety assessment.
Biennial updates required after approval; 8 hours annual continuing training required.
Concurrent planning means you are licensed to both foster and adopt with explicit understanding that reunification is primary goal, but that if reunification is not possible, you may adopt the child.
Many counties encourage concurrent planning because continuity is valuable for children. Significantly reduces time to legal finality compared to sequential processes.
When reunification is not possible, permanency hearing (WIC § 366.
26) determines the plan: adoption (parental rights terminated), legal guardianship (no termination of parental rights), or long-term foster care for older youth. Foster families with concurrent approval are first-preference candidates for adoption if permanency is needed.
Foster parents have the right to participate in court hearings and provide input; adoption from foster care terminates parental rights and establishes foster family as legal parents. RFA approval covers foster care, guardianship, and adoption.
Source: CA WIC §§ 300, 361, 366.26, 362.05
Resource families should attend dependency court hearings.
Bring documentation (photos, school reports, medical care evidence) showing child's progress and your care. Submit written reports to court if oral testimony not possible. This direct input to the judge is one of the most meaningful ways to advocate for the child in your care.
When reunification appears unlikely, WIC § 366.
26 permanency hearing will occur. This determines the child's permanent plan. Adoption by resource family is the top preference if reunification fails. Understand the timeline and process in your county. Prepare documentation of the child's stability, your commitment, and the strength of your relationship.
One RFA approval covers foster care, guardianship, and adoption.
This matters enormously. You do not need separate approval processes if circumstances change or permanency plan evolves. It simplifies the legal path and reduces administrative burden.
Foster care payments (AFDC-FC) are age-based and cover child's expenses, not family household costs. Medi-Cal for all foster children. Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) provides ongoing support for adopted children from foster care.
Source: CDSS, EHSD, California Legislature
To foster, you must be financially self-sufficient—AFDC-FC payments must not be essential to your household survival.
This does not mean you must be wealthy. It means your household budget works without foster care payments. Many working-class and middle-class families qualify. Be honest in your financial assessment and in your RFA application.
If you adopt a foster child, AAP provides ongoing financial support.
Understand eligibility (child must meet special needs definition). Negotiate AAP agreement before adoption finalizes. Many families negotiate rates equal to or above age-based foster care rates. This financial support can be substantial.
Federal adoption tax credit applies to foster-to-adopt.
Even with minimal adoption expenses, full $16,810 credit (2024) may be available for special needs children. This significantly reduces net cost of adoption.
California bonding leave protections apply to all parents, including foster parents. CFRA baby bonding leave, PFL, and SB 848 reproductive loss leave for failed placements provide meaningful workplace support.
Source: CA Government Code § 12945.2; CA Employment Development Department
You do not need to disclose details of the foster situation to your employer.
You can request CFRA bonding leave citing placement of a foster child. Your employer cannot require details about the child's circumstances or your hopes for adoption. Keep communication professional and focused on your need for bonding leave.
If you foster a medically fragile or high-needs child, CFRA leave for serious health conditions may provide additional protection beyond bonding leave.
Document the child's condition and your care role. FMLA (if applicable to employer) provides additional protection.
SB 848 acknowledges that disrupted foster-to-adopt placements are real grief events.
If a placement fails, understand that you may have SB 848 protections. Consult employment attorney. Your grief is real and deserves recognition.
Foster care is relational caregiving at its most intensive. Children have experienced trauma. You will love them fully, support birth family relationships, and potentially grieve loss. This is profound and demanding work deserving specific mental health support.
Source: CDSS, California Foster Parent Association, Children's Bureau
Children in foster care have experienced trauma.
Behaviors that seem defiant, withdrawn, or oppositional are often trauma responses—communications about their experiences. CDSS funds trauma-focused training. Invest in understanding trauma's impact. This knowledge transforms your approach to parenting and deepens your effectiveness.
Do not isolate.
Foster families often report isolation as a major challenge. Connect with California State Foster Parent Association (CAFPA), local Foster Family Networks, peer mentors offered by your county, and a therapist experienced in foster care dynamics. Community is critical.
California explicitly prohibits discrimination in foster placement based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Navigating county systems and birth family dynamics may still present challenges. Connect with LGBTQ+-affirming foster parent communities and youth resources like California Youth Connection.
California's child welfare system is governed by the Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC). RFA program unifies foster, guardianship, and adoption pathways. SB 407 addresses LGBTQ+ youth placement needs.
Source: CA WIC §§ 300, 361, 366.26; SB 407
Children enter dependency through court order, not through foster parents' role.
Social workers and courts direct the case. Your role is to provide safe, nurturing home and to advocate for the child. Attend court hearings. Submit written input. Ask questions. Understand the legal process.
RFA approval gives you right to notice of hearings, participation in permanency planning, and preference for adoption if reunification fails.
Know these rights. Exercise them. Document your advocacy.
California explicitly affirms LGBTQ+ foster families and considers placement of LGBTQ+ youth carefully.
You have equal standing and legal protections. If you experience discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, report to your county and state authorities.
Free to list. Providers meeting PEONY's standards are listed at no cost. No referral fees. No success-based fees. Providers may pay for enhanced placement and profile features.
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