About Us

What is an FFA?

A foster family agency (FFA) is an organization that plays a critical role in the foster care system. FFAs are responsible for recruiting, certifying, and supporting resource families who provide care for children and youth who cannot safely remain in their first families’ homes. These agencies work closely with social services departments, such as DCFS, to ensure that resource parents receive the necessary training, resources, and support to meet the needs of the children in their care. FFAs also oversee the placement process, matching children with suitable foster families based on factors such as the child’s needs. Additionally, FFAs may provide various services to support children and families, including counseling, case management, and access to community resources. Overall, foster family agencies play a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and stability of children and youth in the foster care system.

Our History

We are looking for families for children, not children for families.

1994

SCFFA

Sylvia Fogelman puts her vision of providing foster children with safe, loving homes to action and incorporates Southern California Foster Family Agency (SCFFA) as a 501(a)c.

1999

Adoption Services

Obtain a license to also provide adoption services, becoming Southern California Foster Family & Adoption Agency (SCFFAA).

2008

Youth In Transition

Launch Youth In Transition Program, aimed at providing co-mentoring and supportive services to transition-age youth.

2009

All Children - All Families

First private agency to receive the “All Children – All Families” seal from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, recognizing our work as a leader in supporting and serving LGBTQ+ families (received this recognition for the next ten years).

2014

Extraordinary Families

SCFFAA merges with policy and advocacy group, Child Welfare Initiative (CWI), becoming Extraordinary Families under the leadership of CWI founder, Andrew Bridge.

2015

UP4Youth

Expand our transition-age youth program to add employment, education, and resource coordination, rebranding it as Unlimited Possibilities for Youth (UP4Youth).

2017

Family Recruitment and Support

Launch Resource Family Recruitment and Family Support initiatives, including an Ambassador Program.

2018

CARF

Earn prestigious three-year accreditation from CARF International, upholding excellence in human services.

2019

Innovator in Serving LGBTQ+

Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s “All Children – All Families” project as an Innovator in serving LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families. This is the highest tier of recognition and the first year HRC awarded this recognition.

2020

Gays with Kids

Served as a founding partner to GWK, the nation’s premier social network dedicated exclusively to helping gay, bisexual, and transgender men become dads. Partnered to launch website taking dad through the entire foster-adopt process and featured as expert panelist on expanding families through foster care.