Your Guide to Foster Parenting in California

If you’re looking to become a foster family in California, then you may not know where to start. It can feel like a lot to handle at once, but working with the right professional can make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s why FCCA, an affiliate of American Adoptions, will always be here to help you.

You can get more free information now when you contact us online today. By working with our agency, you can start the foster care process in California whenever you feel ready.

How to Become a Foster Parent in California

As you’re looking into foster parenting in California, the first thing you’ll need to do is apply and fill out an online form for fostering in California. It takes only a few minutes to fill out, and it requires you to provide some general information about yourself.

When you apply to be a foster parent in California through our agency, you will fill out information that includes:

• The program that you want to pursue
• The office location you want to work with
• Whether you’ve applied with us before
• Whether you’re adopting as a single parent or a couple
• Basic info like your name, phone number, email and home address

If you have any questions about what our application process looks like for becoming foster parents in California, then contact us online today.

What Disqualifies You from Being a Foster Parent in California?

Learning about foster parent requirements in California can help you get a better idea of whether this family-building path is right for your situation. These regulations are in the child’s best interest, and they can help ensure that you’re as prepared for parenthood as possible.

The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Program is an approval process for people interested in foster parenting in California. There are a handful of general requirements that you must follow if you’re receiving your foster parenting license through this program, including:

• Being at least 18 years of age
• Attending an orientation
• Submitting an application packet
• Completing pre-approval training
• Becoming certified in CPR and first aid

Although no two journeys toward becoming a foster parent in California are the same, you will need to follow these general guidelines for the RFA Program. The California Department of Social Services has more information, and you can learn more specific details about working with our agency when you contact us online.

How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid in California?

In California, a hopeful foster family in California could be eligible for the state’s adoption subsidy. The Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) helps provide medical and financial care for children who would be in long-term foster care otherwise. This makes foster care adoption a more accessible path toward building your family.

To be more specific, a child eligible for AAP may receive the following:

• A monthly negotiated rate
• Medical coverage through Medicaid or Medi-Cal
• Reimbursement of non-recurring adoption expenses (up to $400 per child per adoption)
• Payment for an eligible out-of-home placement
• Continued benefits until the child turns 21

Keep in mind that the amount of financial assistance you receive when fostering in California varies depending on the situation. All children are unique and have different needs, and one county may have higher rates than another county.

On top of AAP, there is also the federal adoption tax credit for the foster care process in California. Like AAP, this incentivizes hopeful foster parents in California to adopt a foster child. This credit varies every year, but you can claim a maximum of about $14,440 per eligible child on your tax return. Even then, foster care adoption is one of the more affordable ways to adopt, and this tax credit makes it more accessible.

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The path to fostering in California looks different for every family. But, understanding some general and finer details alike should help you build your beautiful forever family. Still, we understand that the foster care process in California can be confusing, and you may have some lingering questions.

That’s why you can always fill out our online contact form to get more free information now. We would be more than happy to help you out whenever you need us.