We are glad that you are considering adopting or fostering a child from foster care.

Contact Information

Robyn Anderson

(510) 639-7372

robyn.anderson@comcast.net

Frequently asked questions about adopting a child from foster care in California

Tips on how to choose an agency

Letter from the California RRT

Para información en español, contacte:

Ines Flores

(415) 259-4733

if8644@yahoo.com

Licensing Requirements for Foster or Adoption

Adoption Licensing

Adoptive parents complete forms on their criminal and employment backgrounds, among other paperwork. The homestudy process also includes an interview to ascertain whether the potential parents are ready for the responsibilities of parenting. Some of the issues covered in the homestudy include:

• Is the house clean and safe?
• Is there room for the child?
• If the applicants are married, how long have they been married? (Yes, single people can, and do, adopt.)
• If people are adopting as a couple, are both people eager to adopt?
• Do the applicants have any experience with children?
• Can they afford to have the child?

The goal of the interview and examination process is not to make sure the applicants have a lot of money, a big house or a great deal of education. Instead, the goal is to verify that adoption is the appropriate choice for the family. The homestudy also is an opportunity for the potential parents to obtain information from the agency worker and to have their questions answered.

Foster Care Licensing

A license is required to become a foster family. The 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. Foster parents work with social services staff to determine the type of child best suited for their home (i.e., age, health issues, and gender). Much of the licensing process is the same as that of adoption licensing.

Does it Cost to Foster or Adopt?

Typically, there is no fee for families interested in adopting a child or sibling group from foster care.

Licensed public adoption agencies (also known as CDSS adoptions district offices) may require that you pay a fee of no more than $500. This fee may be deferred, reduced or waived under certain conditions. There are also many adoption agencies who do not require applicants to pay this fee.

You should also expect to pay for fingerprinting, medical examinations, court filing and other adoption-related costs such as CPR classes or any necessary water safety classes. These requirements are usually no more than $100 - $300, and some of these expenses may be reimbursable after the adoption is finalized.

Parent Support Groups

Find Adoption and Foster Resources for California at the Child Welfare Information Gateway Foster Care and Adoption Directory Search.

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

View a list of California agencies (listed by county).

Information on Children

There are more than 77,000 children in foster care in California, about 48 percent of whom are placed with relatives. The majority will return home to live with their family as soon as the problems that caused their entry in care are sufficiently resolved.

About 7,000 children each year will not return home and will be adopted.

About 3,000 California children need an adoptive family every day.

Upcoming Events

Please call us at (510) 272-0204 to learn more about upcoming events.