The first step in becoming a foster parent is to attend an orientation program where you will learn more about the process. To register for an orientation meeting, you should call 1 – (888) 811-1121.
All foster homes are required to meet health and safety standards in order to become licensed by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing (CCL) Division. CCL will assess the caregiver’s suitability, criminal record, and child abuse clearances, and it will complete an inspection of the home’s safety.
To become a foster parent, you must also attend a six-week training course called PS-MAPP. This requires a time commitment of two, three-hour sessions per week or one Saturday for six consecutive weeks. Each meeting is three hours in length and is co-led by a DCFS social worker, a contracted trainer, and a foster or adoptive parent.
Finally, you must complete a Family Assessment/Home Study. During the six-week PS-MAPP training, all of the necessary paperwork and documents must be submitted to the DCFS social worker by the prospective caregivers. The social worker will also meet separately in the family’s home to have individual interviews and gather required information. The purpose of this is to discuss the family’s personal history, interests, strengths, skills, general lifestyle, childcare experiences, the types of children you feel would best fit in your home, and how you would best meet the children’s needs.
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