The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services is a full service adoption agency licensed by the State of California.

 

Our Vision:

A responsible community; Safe, resilient and healthy.

 

Our Mission:

We partner with the community to enhance self-sufficiency while ensuring the safety and basic human needs are met for the people of San Luis Obispo County.

 

Our Guiding Principles:

We believe that all people have strengths.

• We work together to assist in removing barriers and finding solutions.
• We strive to meet the unique need of each community, family and individual.
• We are committed to fairness and equity.
• We strive to eliminate poverty.
• We strive to eliminate abuse.

 

 

"Fost-Adopt"- Becoming a "Resource Family"

Each year children are placed into foster care for a variety of safety concerns involving issues of abuse and or neglect. When youth are removed from their homes the first choice for placement are relatives or “non-relative extended family members” that the youth has an existing relationship with. When these resources are not available children are placed into foster homes. Preferably, these homes are within the community the child currently lives in to maintain school enrollment, friendships, community ties, etc.

For six to eighteen months reunification services are provided and the Department of Social Services works closely with parents, family members, community agencies and other support services to help reunite children back with their family.

All efforts are placed upon reunification, however, in the event reunification is not successful it is hoped that the child’s first placement can also be a permanent placement to avoid additional disruptions, losses and moves for the child. Looking at both the first goal of reunification and the possibility of adoption or other legal permanence other than with the parent’s for the child’s future is called “concurrent planning.” When efforts to reunify are not successful or are determined to not be in the best interest of the child then a permanent plan is considered for the child and adoption is often the preferred choice because it is the most permanent. If the court determines adoption to be the permanent plan for the child then an adoptive family is identified for the child (preferably the child’s current placement) and efforts are then focused upon moving the child towards the permanence of adoption. The families caring for these children become a “resource” for them and this is why our agency refers to our families as “Resource Families” instead of foster or adoptive families as families caring for children may foster, adopt a child or both. Please call 781-1705 to learn more about becoming a “Resource Family.”

 

Adoption

We are a full-service adoption agency and place children with a variety of needs from ages 0-18 for adoption.

Some prospective adoptive parents are interested in adopting an infant or young child and do not wish to do foster care. There are a variety of circumstances and situations that bring children into the care of the Department of Social Services and prospective parents that are willing to do foster care greatly increase the likelihood of an adoptive match (see Fost-Adopt- Becoming a “Resource Family.”)

For most prospective adoptive parents the idea of doing foster care and having a child come into your home and not stay permanently can be overwhelming.  There are different risks with each type of adoption e.g. international and private and having a fact-based understanding of what those risks are, and what they are not, can be very helpful in deciding which type of adoption may be best for you. Please let us help provide you with additional information about adoption and the services we provide.  Telephone us at 805-781-1705 or click here to read a brochure about Adoptions in California.
 

The "Journey" to Adoption:

For many prospective adoptive parents the thought of having a child come into their home and later having that child leave is an overwhelming prospect that causes fear and dread.

For some families, the journey to adoption is one filled with many ups and downs, curves and bumps, while other parents and children are quickly connected in a seemingly effortless way. No two families are created in the same way and this may possibly be one of the reasons families created through adoption are so special and unique.

There are those who consider adoption, but the fears and risks that are part of this unknown journey are too much and they decide not to move forward. For those who do decide to move forward, there are many choices to be made. Some find the number of choices very challenging while others embrace the fact that adoption brings options and choices that parents giving birth do not often have! These parents see adoption more of a new chapter in their life bringing opportunities to grow and learn in ways never before imagined.

As with parenting through birth, there are no guarantees. Whether adopting privately, internationally, or through a public agency, each type of adoption has its own inherent risks, some financial and others emotional. When considering parenting through adoption, it is wise to do your research and evaluate which kinds of risks you are most comfortable with. Once you decide and make the commitment to move forward, rest assured your life will never be the same again!

Here there are yet more choices to be made. The most empowering point is that the choices are always yours to make! For some, the waiting is the hardest part. Others view this time as one of preparation and anticipation. Some of the choices may include taking risks with placements that lead to a child coming in and out of your life for only brief or even an extended period of time. While this experience may not be anticipated or wished for the experience may prove to be part of the journey that helps prepare you for the child that will eventually become part of your family. On the journey to adoption some may not endure the experience or experiences of having a child or multiple children enter their life and not remain a part of their life.  This is an understandable choice that is theirs to make. Some see the child’s stay with them as much a part of the child's journey to his or her parents as it was a part of their own journey in preparation for parenting and adoption of the child that they will adopt.

Parenting is rarely an easy job. The journey to becoming a parent through adoption can also be a challenge and for some, quite challenging. Those who embrace the journey to adoption can find the process that prepares them for their child an enriching and empowering experience.

However you make your way to adoption, the steps you take before you meet your child or children can be amazingly important in helping prepare you for your new job as an adoptive parent. How you see the events that brought you to consider adoption are important, as are your expectations of the relationship you will have with your adopted child and can be influential to how you will parent your child.

As you begin your journey with adoption, take a moment to consider the choices you have and make it a wonderful journey…..

Gina McKernon-Cindrich, Ph.D., SWIV

 

 

About the Process: What Happens Next?

• If you would like to learn more about the process to become a Foster to Adoption parent, please call Arya Jones at 781-1819 or 781-1705.
• Attend an Information Outreach Session to help gather more information and have the opportunity to talk with a foster/adoptive parent and youth in Foster Care.
• You can begin attending the PRIDE classes offered through Cuesta College. This training is designed to prepare parents to care for children in Foster Care and is required for all prospective parents. To enroll in the next session, see the enclosed calendar. 
  Call (805) 781-1713 to enroll!
  This is the first step towards becoming a foster and/or adoptive parent!
   

Process to Becoming a Licensed Resource Parent

Step #1	Step #2 (Optional)	Step #3	Step #4	Step #5	Step #6	Step #7
Make initial contact with Department at 781-1705. Receive information packet	Attend Information Outreach Session to obtain additional information	Enroll in and complete PRIDE classes	During Pride a Foster Care application packet will be provided	At completion of PRIDE, submit Foster Care application and PRIDE homework	Coordinate with licensing worker to assure all paperwork and licensing requirements are complete. License Issued	If pursuing adoption, referral for an Adoption Home Study will be made

  

Other Requirements for Licensing:

• Personal references
• Copies if marriage certificates, divorce documents, and death certificates
• Proof of auto insurance
• Copy of DMV driving record
• You will be asked to submit your fingerprints
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• All adults in the home must have a TB clearance
• Participation in Home Study interviews

The licensing worker is there to work with you during the licensing process and to help answer any questions you may have as well.

Please feel free to contact Arya Jones at 781-1819 if you have any questions about this process.

• Click here to see updated PRIDE schedule
• Click here to view the latest Adoptions Information Outreach Sessions Schedule
• Click here to read an overview about attending Information Outreach Sessions
• Click here to see upcoming Academy Trainings
• Click here to see our Foster Parent Newsletter, the PEN
• Click here to see Resource Parent Distinctions for Youth in Foster Care

 

Click here to go back to the top of the page.

 

Relinquishment Services

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services provides free counseling and support to expecting parents, and current parents considering adoption for their child. The Department can assist parents in making a voluntary adoption plan and can provide additional support services. Our agency can assist parents wishing to participate with the selection of an adoptive family and facilitate openness between the birth and adoptive families.

 

Considering Making an Adoption Plan?

An unplanned pregnancy can be difficult. It can also be difficult to manage the unexpected challenges of parenting with limited resources. If you are expecting a child or are struggling to manage the daily issues of parenting and wish to discuss parenting options, including adoption, the Department provides free counseling services to parents interested in exploring options including referrals to community resources as well as adoption for your child. If you are interested in learning more about these services, please call (805) 781-1705.

 

Post Adoption Services

Our agency offers a variety of supportive services to adoptive families including referrals to community partners, a mentor program, support groups, ongoing trainings, respite care and coordination with the Adoption Assistance Program. The Adoption Assistance Program provides access to financial and medical support to families adopting children with special needs. Click here to learn what training sessions are available

 

Other Ways YOU can Help!

Buy books for a child in foster care Teach foster youth a skill you know Do “respite” foster care Pay for summer camp for a foster youth Pay for braces for a foster youth Donate a musical instrument for a youth Sponsor a youth for an educational trip Pay for music lessons for a foster youth Sponsor a youth to take dance lessons Become a CASA volunteer Start a college fund for a youth Provide a youth with sports equipment Buy a youth a bike Purchase uniforms for sporting events Become a Big Brother or Sister Purchase a computer for a foster youth Purchase theater tickets Sponsor field trips and sporting events Gift cards for clothing & school supplies Gifts of music and art for youth

 

Thoughts from Adoptive Parents

“Adoption for our family was a way to bring another child into our lives. We thought about having more birth children when we first started foster parenting. As foster parents for so many children, we realized that love can be strong whether it is for an adoptive, foster or birth child. We love being parents.”

Beverly and Christopher J., Adoptive Parents

“When I held my first-born I wondered, could any child be more wanted or loved? But with each successive child the love has grown, and the love I felt for the newborn babe is little different from the love I feel for the child who shyly took my hand and agreed to be my daughter.”

Dawn Newell, Adoptive Parent

“However motherhood comes to you it is a miracle.”

Valerie Harper, Adoptive Parent

 

Web Resources for the Foster Care and Adoptions Community

iFoster is a non-profit, online support system solely for the foster care community and also for the adoptions community.
iFoster’s goal is a better life for every emancipated youth and child in Foster Care. iFoster’s programs provide financial relief and opportunities for growth and learning to children in Foster Care and, by association, to the families and organizations that support them.

 

The iFoster Discount Program
iFoster offers a free membership program for discounts and deals at thousands of national and local retailers, grocery stores, healthcare providers (medical, dental and vision), restaurants, movie theatres, and attractions. The discounts come in four basic forms: online discounts, coupons & savings passes, prepaid discounts, and affiliate programs. The redemption method for specific discounts is outlined on the iFoster website for each retailer.

iFoster plans to launch other programs in the future focused on providing opportunities and experiences for children in foster care.

Who can become an iFoster Member?

• transition age youth (16-21 years)
• family (foster, NREFM, relative, guardian, adoptive) or
• organizations supporting children in foster care (e.g. group home, transitional housing, CASA)

Click here to view iFoster’s flyer.
Visit the iFoster website at http://www.ifoster.org/ for more information and to sign-up.

 

Foster Parent Association

For information about our local Foster Parent Association and to obtain an application please click here .

 

Our Journey to Adoption

My husband and our twelve-year-old son just finished playing Guitar Hero. Our five-year-old son is fast asleep in bed, and our eight-month-old foster daughter is also sound asleep in her crib in our room. I'm sitting at the computer trying to figure out how to tell our story.

My husband and I started the adoption process five years ago. We determined that we would only want babies, or at the oldest, children not over two years of age. We were afraid of the “baggage” that older kids would bring with them. Three years into the process, it felt like we had struck out again and again and again. There were a number of calls from the Department with a “situation” they wanted us to think about. But it seemed that if a family member hadn't stepped forward, the situation just didn't seem right for us. After three years, we gave friends and neighbor’s our baby stuff, and just about put the prospect of adoption through the Department of Social Services out of our minds.

One day, our pastor called. “Hey, there is a foster family in the church who are taking care of two brothers, ages three and ten years of age. It looks like the boys will be needing an adoptive family since the foster family will not be able to keep them. What do you think? Let me give you their phone number.” I remember telling him that the boys were really quite a bit older than we thought we would consider, but that I would give the foster father a call and then talk to my husband about it. Some how, when it's your pastor and not a social worker, you listen a little differently.

A week or so later, we had dinner with the foster family and the boys. It was a casual dinner at their house. The boys played outside in the dirt and with a basketball. That evening at home, my husband and I found ourselves talking and thinking about the boys, having them in our lives and even including the foster family...if we were to adopt them. We began to talk about how the boys would fit in with the children of our friends and with our nieces and nephews.

Two weeks later, the boys moved in with us. We never would have thought that we would adopt siblings, let alone “older” kids. But it felt right. Having the boys as part of our family feels normal- and “meant to be.” Our extended family has completely embraced them as nephews, cousins, and grandsons. The boys' adoption was finalized last year.

There have been, and still are bumps in the road, like navigating a relationship with the birth family; dealing with poor eating habits; and encouraging the older son to achieve, not to settle for mediocrity or less in school and in other areas. But we are a family, and we are “gelling”. The boys have relationships with our extended family, they enjoy doing things together as a family, and when we approached them with the idea of adding a baby to our family, they welcomed the idea. They have had a tough start with their lives, but the care that has been shown to them in the last few years, by social workers and by their foster family, has made them tender and compassionate towards the babies we have had in our home recently.

It's been quite a “ride” but we thank God for the family He has given us. We wouldn't change it for anything.

Signed, adoptive mom to two, and maybe more to come...

 

Meet Some of Our Wonderful Youth Ready for Adoption!

 

Click here to meet Kevin, one of our wonderful youth ready for adoption. Click here to meet Angie, another of our wonderful youth ready for adoption. Click here to meet Rose, another of our wonderful youth ready for adoption

  

My "Bestest" Buddy

Once, in another lifetime, I was married to a woman with three children from a previous marriage. We had a lively family with many friends, pets, and activities. But as is so often the case, people grow apart. By the end of 1996 I found myself alone.

It was during my separation that I watched a movie starring William Hurt. It was titled “Second Best.” Hurt played a middle aged single man in central England caring for his elderly parents and running the family grocery store. His life was mundane and empty. Hurt’s character decided to adopt a ten- year-old boy in the British Social Service system. After watching this movie, it dawned on me that I was much like the character in the movie. So began my voyage to meet my “bestest” buddy.

I contacted the Department of Social Services in San Luis Obispo and inquired about adopting a school aged child. Could a single man adopt?

I enrolled in courses provided by the Department to educate myself on issues surrounding adopting a child from foster care. I knew being single, and being an educator, that I could not manage a younger child. Following my completion of the courses I waited…and waited…and waited. It seemed as if the social worker assigned to assist me in finding a child had forgotten about me. By chance in the supermarket, I bumped into the person who taught the course I had completed several months earlier. No more than a week later, I was viewing a videotape of the boy who would become my son.

For whatever reason, something about my future son made an impression on me in the video. It was time to meet this devilish looking boy.

At our initial meeting, he could not have appeared less interested. He occupied his time maneuvering his remote control car and paying no attention to me. He did however take time to ask the social worker, “Is this my new Dad?” At our second visit I took him to the beach and was amazed at how friendly he was to complete strangers. I remember he even called me Dad that day, which felt strange and comfortable at the same time. Two weeks later he came bounding up my stairway with a garbage bag full of clothes and knick-knacks from the three or so previous foster homes he had lived in that summer alone. That was September 8, 1998. We will celebrate our 10 year anniversary this coming September.

As I now reflect on the past ten years, adopting my son was the smartest and best decision I have made in my 51 years. I know I needed him as much as he needed me. He has a home that is stable, consistent, and forever. He has had a “normal” childhood, successes and failures, good times and hard times. For me, my life developed a purpose, something beyond just having to fend for myself. As an educator I grew in leaps and bounds, because I could now see adolescents from a parent perspective.

Despite the fact that the same blood does not run through our veins, we could not be any closer. I worry about the little things, him being safe, and at times I just start crying for no reason other than I have thought of him. Despite our closeness, we are very different in our habits, likes and dislikes. In some way, these differences add to our closeness, as we are able to respect our differences.

My son is blessed with two families through his adoption, both his adoptive and his birth families. He sees his older brother regularly. I think few things make him happier than to know his brother is due for a visit. He also sees and talks to his younger sister and aunt throughout the year.

I often hear from others what a wonderful outgoing young man he has turned out to be. I know I can take some credit, but nature did most of the work. All he needed was someone who made him number one. All I needed was the same. I hear many parents describe their relationship with their children as being best friends. That is the case with us, we do many things together, and having him with me makes things more fun. He is…my son, my “bestest” buddy. He must feel the same about me because this is what he has called me since he was young. “My Bestest Buddy.”

Brian M., AKA “Bestest” Buddy

 

Thoughts from Adopted Persons

“Mom said that what really cinched the deal was my smile. Once she saw that, she didn’t look at any other babies". Greg Louganis, Adoptee “ People ask me, ‘what about gay adoptions? Interracial? Single Parent? I say, hey, fine, as long as it works for the child and the family is responsible.” My big stand is this: Every child deserves a home and love. Period.” Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s, Adoptee “We must work tirelessly to make sure that every boy and girl in America who is up for adoption has a family waiting to reach him or her…. This is a season of miracles, and perhaps there is no greater miracle than finding a loving home for a child who needs one". President Bill Clinton, Adoptee

 

FAQs about Adoption

1. What is adoption?

Adoption is a legal process that permanently gives parental rights of a child to adoptive parents. Adoption means making a commitment to a child by taking him or her into your home as a permanent family member. It means caring for and guiding children as they grow and giving them the love and understanding they need to develop their full potential.

2. What is the difference between agency adoption, independent adoption, and international adoption?

In an agency adoption, a licensed public or private adoption agency or a CDSS adoptions district office places the child for adoption. The birth parent's parental rights are terminated either by court order or by the filing of a relinquishment. The adoption agency becomes legally responsible for the care, custody and control of the child. The agency studies and approves adoptive parents before placing a child in their home for adoption, and supervises the placement for six or more months before the adoption is finalized.

In an independent adoption, birth parents choose the prospective parents and place the child directly with them. When making this decision, a birth parent must have personal knowledge of certain facts about the adopting parents. The birth parent placing the child for adoption must receive an advisement of rights, responsibilities, and options from an Adoption Service Provider (ASP). The birth parent must also sign an Independent Adoption Placement Agreement (AD 924), which in 30 days automatically becomes an irrevocable consent to adoption unless revoked within that time.

In an international adoption, prospective parents adopt a foreign-born children for whom the federal law makes a special immigration entry visa available.

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services is a full-service public adoption agency licensed by the State of California.

3. Who are the children being adopted through the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services?

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services facilitates in the finalization of approximately 50 adoptions each year. The majority of the children being adopted have spent some time in foster care. There are approximately 350 children in San Luis Obispo County in foster care requiring temporary out-of-home care because of parental neglect and/or abuse. In San Luis Obispo County approximately 60% of these children are Caucasian, 30% are Hispanic, 5 % are black and the other 5% are of other ethnicity. These children are of all ages, from birth to age 18 years of age and some are currently awaiting permanent homes.

4. How long will it take?

The process to become licensed generally takes 90-120 days following completion of pre-service training. See What Happens Next.  Families willing to do foster care, consider siblings and older children increase the likelihood of a prompt placement. Families who do not wish to do foster care and want an infant child will likely have a longer wait for placement.

5. How much will it cost to adopt?

The licensed public adoption agency fee is $500 and is payable at the time of the adoptive placement. This fee may be deferred, reduced, or waived under certain conditions. You should also expect to pay for, medical examination, court filing and other adoption-related costs that usually total no more than $100-$300.

Families who adopt children who are eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program may qualify for the Non-recurring Adoption Expense Program. The program reimburses families for adoption related expenses that they incur during the adoption process. The amount of reimbursement is limited to $400 per child.

6. Is there financial assistance provided once the adoption is final?

The Adoption Assistance Program can provide financial assistance and some medical coverage for many children with special needs being adopted. This assistance may continue until the child is age 18 or, in certain circumstances, age 21.

7. Do I need to be a “stay-at home” parent?

No. Working parents with adequate child care are welcome.

8. How old do I have to be?

You need to be at least 21 years of age and be 10 years older than the child you are adopting.

9. What are the Informational Outreach Sessions and why should I attend one?

The Informational Outreach Sessions are a great way to drop in and get some information about the process of becoming a resource parent, learn more about becoming a resource parent and meet with foster youth and foster/adoptive parents. These meetings are helpful for those not ready to commit to the PRIDE classes, still in the decision making process or for those just wanting the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about foster and adoptive parenting. No RSVP required.

Check the schedule for times and dates.

10. What are the PRIDE classes and how will they help me with my goal of adoption?

PRIDE stands for: Parent's Resource for Information Development and Education

PRIDE is a standardized model for the development and support of resource families. It is designed to strengthen the quality of family foster and adoptive parenting by providing a structured framework for recruiting, preparing, and educating foster and adoptive parents. The PRIDE format is generally found to be very informative and helpful to even very seasoned parents in helping to prepare for caring for children not born to them, and those coming to their family after adverse circumstances.

 

PRIDE's Goals are to Help:

1. Meet the protective, developmental, cultural and permanency needs of children placed with foster and adoptive families.
2. Strengthen families, whether they are families of origin, blended families, extended or kinship families, foster families, adoptive families, or tribal members.
3. Strengthen the quality of family foster and adoptive parenting by providing a standardized, structured framework for pre-service training and mutual assessment.

Check the schedule class for times and dates.

For additional information and to request an informational packet on adoption please call, 805-781-1705.

 

Youth Calendar Project

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services is proud to bring you our 2012 Youth Calendar Project. We hope you will enjoy this 12-month 2012 calendar that is filled with beautiful photographs of foster youth and some of the community agencies that help serve these youth.

This project is intended to help connect foster youth with the resources they need, whether that is a permanent family, a musical instrument or the lessons that go along with it. Moreover, the project seeks to raise awareness for the need for foster and adoptive families.

We hope you will enjoy the amazing photographs of the youth who have participated in this project. There are approximately 300 more youth in foster care in need of resources as well. If you believe you can provide support to a foster youth or would like information about foster care or adoption, please call 805-781-1705 for additional information.

Click here to meet Kevin, one of our wonderful youth ready for adoption.

Click here to meet Angie, another of our wonderful youth ready for adoption.

Click here to meet Rose, another of our wonderful youth ready for adoption

Click here for a list of locations where the calendar is available.

 

How do I apply?

Please call the Department of Social Services at (805) 781-1705, or write to the Department of Social Services, PO Box 8119, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8119. The Department will provide you with all the details you need to get started with your Adoption application.

 

Upcoming Events and Trainings

Click here to find information about upcoming events and training sessions of interest to prospective foster/adoptive parents and to parents of adopted children.

 

Click here to go to the Social Services home page