Become a Resource Parent:                                    Step-by-Step Guide

We are required to approve all of our families for both foster care and adoption at the same time. This allows for a seamless transition should adoption become the plan for a child. However, Los Angeles County is in great need of quality resource parents. There is no obligation to adopt if that is not your plan.

The Resource Family Approval (RFA) process is a child-centered caregiver approval process that:

  • Is streamlined and eliminates the duplication of existing processes.
  • Unifies approval standards for all caregivers, regardless of the child’s case plan.
  • Includes a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, home inspection, and training.
  • Prepares families to better meet the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system.
  • Allows seamless transition to permanency.

Step 1

Contact Us

Contact our Family Recruitment Specialist Drew Dickson at (213) 365-2900 or [email protected], or fill out our online inquiry form. We will then send you information about the agency and a schedule of the upcoming orientations and trainings.

Step 2

Orientation

Register for a 2-hour orientation to learn the basics about the child welfare system, fostering, and adopting from foster care. This is also a great opportunity to have your questions answered. Visit our calendar for upcoming orientation dates and times.

Calendar

Step 3

Training

Complete 21 hours of training. Sessions are alternately held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30pm or Saturdays from 9:00am to noon. Examples of topics covered include the child welfare system, foster care and adoption, and the effects of trauma and loss. CPR and First Aid training are also required and provided.

Step 4

Application

Complete an application packet concurrently with training. A physical exam is required as a part of this application, along with a TB screening for the applicant and all adults in the home; a DMV printout and evidence of valid automobile insurance; and criminal and child abuse clearances through Live Scan.

Step 5

Home Study

Participate in a family assessment (home study), which involves multiple interviews with everyone residing in the home. Examples of topics discussed include family, health, employment and education history, housing arrangements, childcare experience, and your motivation to become a resource parent.

Step 6

Home Inspection

Participate in a home inspection. We will inspect your home following the safety regulations set forth by the state and county. These requirements will be given to you in advance to allow you time to prepare. You will also be given every opportunity to address any issues found prior to certification.

Step 7

Approval

When all of the above steps are satisfactorily completed and the home study is approved, we will invite you to visit our office to officially approve you and your home. From any point thereafter, you can expect to begin receiving phone calls about children in need of a safe and loving home.

If you’re ready to take the first step, contact us now at (213) 365-2900, [email protected], or our online inquiry form.

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