Process to Becoming a Licensed Resource Parent
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Step #1
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Step #2
(Optional)
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Step #3
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Step #4
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Step #5
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Step #6
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Step #7
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Make initial contact with Department at 781-1705.
Receive information packet
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Attend Information Outreach Session to obtain additional information.
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Enroll in and complete PRIDE classes.
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During Pride a Foster Care application
packet will be provided.
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At completion of PRIDE,
submit Foster Care application and PRIDE homework.
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Coordinate with licensing worker to assure all paperwork and licensing requirements are complete.
License Issued
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If pursuing adoption, referral for an Adoption Home Study will be made.
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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 Gina Cindrich at 781-1776 if you have any questions about this process.
- Click here to see the updated Information Outreach Schedule
- Click here to read an overview of why you should attend Information Outreach Sessions
- Click here to see updated PRIDE schedule
- Click here to see upcoming Academy Trainings
- Click here to view Resource Parent Distinctions for Youth in Foster Care
Click here to go back to the top of the page
Thoughts from Foster Youth
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Imagine if today or tomorrow you were a victim of a disaster. You might lose your home and everything in it. You might lose a family member! You might even be placed in an unfamiliar location with people you don’t know. You probably would be overwhelmed by feelings of displacement and desperation.
That’s what it’s like for me and other children who are no longer in the custody of our natural parents and don’t have extended family to care for us. We might think it’s somehow our fault that we are experiencing this nightmare. We can’t and don’t control the circumstances of our lives; we can only hope for supportive people who care about us and our future. We need someone we can trust and who will provide encouragement. We are emotionally scarred and fragile. We need a safe and loving home where we can feel comfortable and at peace. We are strong, but yet vulnerable — strong because we have been through and seen more horrible things than the average person — vulnerable because of the lack of belonging.
We find ourselves in an office sitting across the desk from a social worker with a stack of file folders that sit between us. The social worker is wondering, “What are this child’s options? I need to provide a place for this child to stay now.” I might say I’m hoping that it’s a house with a nice family near my school where I still know people, but then my social worker might say that I have to go out of county to a group home because that’s the only place available.
Now, what if I were to tell you that you could be the one to save me and the other
children from last resort placements; placements labeled “group homes” to imply that we were the ones at fault?
You could be the family or parent that will protect us and keep us safe and out of harms way. You could provide the stability and predictability of where our lives are going. You might be the one to make a difference, the one who saves us from being homeless or turning into drug addicts because of problems not of our making and out of our control. We are asking you to reach out and make a child’s life better by offering a future of possibilities.
Sarah P. California Youth Connection Speakers Bureau
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"What If"
what if every child never cried
what if every teenager never yelled
what if every adult never got angry
what if we lived in a perfect world?
what kind of people would we be
if everything we did never went wrong
if we gave our future children
everything they ever wanted
if we treated every person
like they were the only person
who would ever matter
if everything that was said or done
was never misunderstood
what if every child had perfect parents
what if every parent had perfect children
what if every family never fought
what if nobody had any problems
what kind of world would we live in
if we had absolutely no troubles
it would be utterly perfect
but this world we live in
is far from perfect
if a child never cried
a teenager never yelled
adults never got angry
if our world was just perfect
we would have no understanding, no compromise
no happiness, and no knowledge
our world is filled with children without parents,
people with so many problems
its beyond your imagination,
and people who are so self obsessed they don't notice
all the good things around them
but if you think hard enough you would
understand that we need all of our problems
you need fear to have courage, pain to have strength
confusion to have understanding
chaos to have peace and sadness to have happiness
if you are always happy you can never truly understand happiness
if we lived in a perfect world,
it would be impossible to honestly live.
the end ~MM~ age 15
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Thoughts from Foster Parents
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| Our family regards foster care as an enjoyable way to give back to the community. Foster care gives children a nurturing, stable and enriching home setting. Our care can assure that the children’s needs are fully met and that their true gifts and talents emerge. |
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We first started as foster parents in 1993 when our birth children were in elementary and middle school. We have fostered many children over the years and adopted one. We continue to do foster care and may adopt again. We have solid bonds and relationships with many of our former foster children.
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We are the lucky ones, for we get to love and help children with their challenging lives. We are often asked, “ Isn’t it difficult when a child reunites?” Our hearts know the answer is yes. However, what is more important is that we have done something for a child during a time when they and their parents needed help, and a child needed love and care.
Beverly and Christopher J.
Foster Parents
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"I Couldn't Do That..."
Shown proudly, a baby girl, not of my own
On-lookers gaze into your eyes of brown
Looks of joy turn to disbelief, a look I’ve known.
And their words echo in my head:
“I couldn’t do that”
“It would be too hard”
Why can’t they see, I don’t do this for me!
How can you love her, a time so brief, so unsure?
Soon to depart, a child of my heart
A mother waits;
A new mom or the one from which you were taken
Her heart is shaken.
And again their words echo in my head:
“I couldn’t do that”
“It would be too hard”
I cry and they see… yes, it is hard for me!
A baby, a child, a need to be held
To be hugged
For her this wasn’t a choice
I’ll be your voice.
You smile & coo… I do love you!
And you are why:
“I can do this!”
Judith M.
OFR Foster Parent
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Tips for Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents
By: Claudia Fletcher
Claudia Fletcher and her husband began their journey as foster parents early in their marriage. Today, they have twelve children, and all but two of their sons, who were adopted from a Guatemalan orphanage are from the foster care systems in Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington State. You can read all about her family on her blog at www.fletcherclan.blogspot.com.
- It’s all about waiting. The world of foster care and adoption is all about waiting- waiting for returned phone calls, home study completion, a referral, finalization of adoption, judges’ decisions. Social workers have many cases just as important as ours. That’s hard to remember, especially since we think our family is the most important. Knowing how to stay calm and committed while you wait is an important skill to learn.
- Social workers don’t expect perfection. Perfect parents scare social workers because they know how quickly children from the system can destroy perfection. They appreciate a house that looks lived in and want authentic people who are honest about their own shortcomings.
- Don’t blow off what you hear. In our six years as foster and adoptive parents, nearly everything they warned us about has happened. We were naïve and overestimated our ability to love children so much that they wouldn’t destroy property, harm themselves, or hurt others. We also underestimated our ability to endure, accommodate, forgive, and change enough to live with these behaviors when they occurred.
- It’s not about us. When we first started foster care it was easy to feel offended. Why weren’t we getting kids? Why were we told we were getting a placement and then later told we weren’t? Why were other foster homes full, while ours was empty? Then I realized a lack of children found neglected or abused should bring me joy, not sorrow.
- Flexibility is the key to endurance and longevity. In the early months of a placement, the emotional roller coaster we were on gave us wild rides. When we became more flexible the ride was less exciting, but we were able to stay with it for the long haul.
- Get as much information as possible. Everyone has questions and many parents are afraid and many parents are afraid to ask for fear of jeopardizing licensure or approval, but there are no stupid questions. Workers hope that parents have questions, and in fact are impressed when a parent has thought ahead enough to ask.
Web Resources for the Foster Care Community
iFoster is a non-profit, online support system solely for the foster care 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.
Other Ways YOU can Help!
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Buy books for a child in foster care
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Teach foster youth a skill you know
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Do “respite” foster care
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Pay for summer camp for a foster youth
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Pay for braces for a foster youth
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Donate a musical instrument for a youth
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Sponsor a youth for an educational trip
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Pay for music lessons for a foster youth
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Sponsor a youth to take dance lessons
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Become a CASA volunteer
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Start a college fund for a youth
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Provide a youth with sports equipment
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Buy a youth a bike
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Purchase uniforms for sporting events
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Become a Big Brother or Sister
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Purchase a computer for a foster youth
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Purchase theater tickets
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Sponsor field trips and sporting events
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Gift cards for clothing & school supplies
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Gifts of music and art for youth
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Meet Some of Our Wonderful Youth Ready for Adoption!
FAQs about Foster Care
1. Who are the children in foster care in San Luis Obispo County?
There are approximately 300 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. Some stay in foster care for weeks; some for years. The children are of all ages and varying needs.
2. What is the role of a foster parent?
Foster parents provide a supportive and stable family for children who cannot live with their parents during the time family problems are being addressed. In many cases, foster parents work as part of the team to help reunite the child with their parents. Foster parents may provide care to many different children.
3. How do I become a foster parent?
A license is required to become a foster parent and provide a foster home for a child. The licensing process starts with attending an Informational Outreach Session (optional) or the PRIDE classes (required). The application process begins after completion of the PRIDE classes and takes approximately 90 days to complete. This process requires a licensing worker to visit your home and meet with you and other family members. Minimum personal, safety and space requirements are required by law. Your licensing worker will work with you to help determine the type of child best suited for your home/family (i.e., age, health issues, and gender). See "What Happens Next" above.
4. Is there financial assistance to help with the child’s expenses?
Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement to assist with food, clothing and to meet the material needs of the children placed in their care. Click here to see Foster Care rates.
5. Do foster children have medical coverage?
Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program.
6. Do I need to be a “stay-at home” parent?
No. Working parents with adequate child care are welcome to apply to become a foster parent.
7. How old do I have to be?
You need to be at least 21 years or older. Healthy, energetic foster parents of all ages are welcome to apply.
8. What are the Informational Outreach Sessions and why should I attend one?
Informational Outreach Sessions are a great way to drop in and get some information about the process of becoming a foster parent, meet with foster youth and parents, and have your specific questions answered. 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 parenting. No RSVP required.
Check the schedule for times and dates.
9. What are the PRIDE classes and how will they help me with my goal to become a foster parent?
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 the most seasoned parents in preparing to care for children not born to them, and those coming to their family after adverse circumstances.
PRIDE training is based on the philosophy that the value of family life for children, however family is defined, is compelling. Because of this, knowledgeable and skilled foster and adoptive parents are integral to providing quality services.
PRIDE's Goals are to Help:
- Meet the protective, developmental, cultural and permanency needs of children placed with foster and adoptive families.
- Strengthen families, whether they are families of origin, blended families, extended or kinship families, foster families, adoptive families, or tribal members.
- Strengthen the quality of family foster parenting and adoption services by providing a standardized, structured framework for pre-service training and mutual assessment.
Click here to check the schedule for class times and dates.
For additional information and to request a “Resource Family” informational packet, please call, 805-781-1705.
Youth Calendar Project
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The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services is proud to bring you our 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. 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 for a list of the locations where the calendars are available.
Foster Parent Newsletter - The PEN
Click here to read the latest issue of our quarterly Parent Empowerment Newsletter, "The PEN". Our newsletter helps to educate, support and connect foster, adoptive, resource and kinship parents. Back issues available here.
Foster Parent Training and Events
Click here for information about Foster Parent Academy classes.
Click here to find out about upcoming workshops and events.
SLO County School District Liaisons
Click here to open a list of Homeless and Foster Care Liaisons at the various schools in the County.
Click here to find out about the Atascadero School Placement Empowerment Network.
Click here to view the semi-annual snapshot of the Foster Care Program in San Luis Obispo County. This is a Powerpoint slide show. Click on the image to move forward in the show. Click the back arrow to return here.
Survey of Parents and Foster Parents
The San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services encourages you to participate in a statewide survey of parents and foster parents. The survey will establish a baseline on the quality of social work in the state. For more information about the survey please click here.
Click here to view Foster Care caseload statistics.
Please call (805) 781-1705, or click Contact Us, to become a Foster Parent.
Click here to return to the Social Services home page.
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