Are you interested in becoming a foster parent in San Bernadino, California? Fostering a child can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. As a foster parent, you will be responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment for the foster child or children, as well as helping them transition into permanent homes or reunification with their families.
How To Become Foster Parents
If you are considering becoming a foster parent, first of all, let us say – congratulations and thank you. This decision is a major one and shows your commitment to helping children in need.
In order to become a foster parent in San Bernardino, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Provide proof of insurance
- Have at least one extra bedroom in your home
- Pass a screening process
- Complete required training
The screening process typically involves home visits, criminal background checks, reference checks, and financial reviews.
Once you have completed the screening requirements and accepted placement of a foster child or children in your home, you will need to successfully complete 30 hours of foster parent training. Training topics include child safety, trauma, special needs of children in the system, family dynamics and communication, stress management for parents, developing parenting skills, and more.
Foster Children
Foster care requires a lot of work, but it can be incredibly rewarding for foster families and for the foster child or children who are placed in your home. As an adoptive parent, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in a child’s life, even if they’re not your biological children. The reward is knowing that you have provided a safe and loving home to those who may not have had one before.
When you become an adoptive parent, it’s important to remember the needs of a foster child can be different than those of your own children. It’s important to understand the unique experiences and needs of the foster child.
What are some special needs a foster child might have?
Foster children may have a variety of special needs, depending on their individual situation. These can include physical or mental health issues, developmental delays, emotional problems related to trauma from physical or sexual abuse, being severely neglected, attachment issues to their caregivers, and more. Foster parents need to be aware of the various challenges and physical and emotional problems that these children may face so they can provide appropriate support.
The children’s behavior may also be affected by their past experiences. Potential foster parents need to understand that the child’s behavior does not necessarily reflect on them, but rather reflects a response to what has happened in his or her life. Foster parents can help children manage behaviors by being patient and providing a stable family type setting and consistency for the child.
Support For Resource Families
Many foster family agencies provide various forms of financial support, counseling services, and other resources to help foster parents and children. Resource families should be aware of these supports available in their area so they can make the most of their experience as foster parents.
Financial assistance can range from subsidies for food or housing to allowances for clothing, toys, and activities. Counseling services may provide support for parents, siblings, and/or the child in care. Additional resources may include educational materials and advocacy services.
Resource families should also be aware of community outreach programs that are dedicated to helping foster parents. These programs often provide assistance with transportation, social activities, and parent training sessions.
If you’re interested in foster parenting a child in need in San Bernadino County, reach out to us at Alba Care Services to learn more about the approval process for becoming a resource family and what steps we take in order to place foster children. We look forward to providing you with more information about the application process and helping you find a child who needs your love and support. Thank you for considering being part of our foster care family!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best foster family agency in San Bernadino County?
We might be biased, but we believe that Alba Care Services is the best foster family agency in San Bernadino County, California. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is also a good resource for finding foster family agencies in San Bernadino County.
Do my foster children need to sleep in his or her own bed?
All foster children, regardless of age, must sleep in their own beds. This helps to ensure that the foster child is receiving proper rest and also provides a sense of stability as he/she adjusts to living in your home. Children are allowed to share a bedroom, but only with one other child and if the child is age 5 years or older, they must be of the same gender.
How many children can I have living under the same roof?
The number of children that can reside under the same roof will depend on the approval given by your foster family agency and the DCFS. Generally speaking, most families are approved to care for up to six children at one time.
What is a “resource parent”?
A resource parent is a foster care provider who has been approved to provide permanent, temporary, or respite care for children. The term “resource parent” can refer to both foster and adoptive parents. Resource parents must be willing to meet the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the children they serve. They must also adhere to specific guidelines set by the state and local child welfare agencies.
How often do social workers visit a foster home?
Social workers typically visit a foster home on a monthly basis, although this can vary depending on the individual circumstances. During these visits, social workers will review the progress of the foster children in your home and make sure that they are receiving proper care and living in a nurturing home environment. They may also check to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and up-to-date.
