Knotts Family Agency (KFA) works with foster parents in San Bernardino County to provide a heart and a home for every child. We have over 30 years of experience supporting foster parents, also known as resource parents, and finding homes for children that best meet their needs. Learn what makes KFA uniquely positioned to serve San Bernardino foster parents and why we have some of the highest parent satisfaction rates among Southern California foster agencies.
Challenges for Foster Parents in San Bernardino County
The San Bernardino County foster care system is under significant strain, which can create many challenges for foster parents, including:
- Caseworker delays: San Bernardino social workers have higher caseloads than recommended, so check-ins with children are infrequent. Cases also fail to move forward, resulting in children spending more time in foster care and delaying reunification.
- High placement instability: With thousands of children in foster care, kids are often shuffled across many foster homes, causing routine and care disruptions that could affect their well-being.
- Difficulty securing healthcare: Resource parents may face the barrier of delayed access to the healthcare and mental health services their children need.
- Overcapacity: San Bernardino County lacks emergency placement options, so children must wait weeks to be placed in a home.
In a county with a publicly documented strained system, Knotts Family Agency is your reliable partner. We understand the challenges in San Bernardino foster care and help resource parents navigate these complex systems to achieve positive outcomes for children.
Our “Parent Delight” Philosophy
Many foster care agencies in San Bernardino County recognize foster children as their primary clients. At Knotts Family Agency, our unique approach positions foster parents as our primary partner. Our Parent Delight perspective has fueled our mission to support happy parents nurturing children.
Partnership-Centered Approach
Though caring for foster children is an essential priority at KFA, we recognize that resource parents are the most important link in the foster care process. Foster parents provide care, affection, and attention — the foster care system would not be possible without resource parents. As a result, Knotts Family Agency recognizes foster parents as our most important partner. From the beginning of the approval process to support after placement, you’ll notice the Parent Delight difference that makes KFA the fastest-growing agency in California. As a CARF-accredited agency and member of the California Alliance, we uphold the highest standards of foster care support.
Personalized, One-on-One Support
Other San Bernardino foster care agencies require prospective parents to attend an in-person orientation with multiple other individuals. Since group settings don’t align with our person-centered support, KFA conducts one-on-one orientations personalized to each foster parent. We understand what foster parents need from support staff and deliver an orientation tailored to you. If in-person orientation doesn’t work for you, we can visit you in your home or over video conferencing software.
Through our “We go to you” program, support is readily available no matter where you are in San Bernardino County. With 11 Regional Support Centers across our service area, you’ll have access to local, in-person assistance whenever you need it. We reduce the need for in-office visits by providing regular home visits from your social worker, reserving office appointments only for addressing significant concerns.
Training Built Around Your Needs
Knotts Family Agency recognizes that everyone has a different learning style, so we employ various strategies and learning techniques to set up resource parents for success. Instead of requiring monthly training meetings, we offer a variety of training opportunities designed to match the skills you want to learn and develop. From parenting skills and crisis management to CPR and first aid for foster parents, training helps you be a successful resource parent.
Through our Get Paid to Get Trained program, we reward your commitment to growth. If you complete 40 hours or more in a year, you’ll qualify for an additional stipend. You can complete training in our office or from home over the internet.
Health and Wellness Packages
We want foster parents to feel appreciated for the noble work they’re doing. We offer a Very Important Parents (VIP) Program, complete with tailored services like:
- Concierge support: Need help with errands, accessing community resources, emergency shopping, or house cleaning? Our Parent Delight specialists are here to make your life easier.
- Connected home: Get an Amazon Echo Show for direct communication with our office, plus assistance converting your home to a smart home with secure cameras in the kitchen and family areas.
- Nutrition and dietitian: Access a diet expert who can guide you in preparing healthy, delicious meals that support children’s concentration, energy levels, and overall development.
- Fitness club: After three months, enroll in a local gym and receive assistance with monthly membership fees.
- Massage and spa: After three months, enjoy reimbursement for one spa or massage treatment every six months — including facials, sauna sessions, hot stone massages, and other rejuvenating treatments.
Some benefits have eligibility requirements or participation limits — we’re happy to walk you through what’s available to you and answer any questions.
Foster Parent Benefits With Knotts Family Agency
Fostering children in San Bernardino County is a rewarding experience, especially when you work with an experienced agency like KFA. In addition to being a positive influence in a child’s life, we offer many benefits to foster carers through our parent-first approach.
In-House Expert Support
Knotts Family Agency connects resource parents to a team of experts to support foster children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When you work with us, you’ll have access to:
- Nutritionists: Your diet expert can provide guidance on food and snacks that are healthy and delicious. The right foods support physical development and behavioral wellness.
- Occupational therapists: An occupational therapist’s role in foster care is to help children develop skills, adjust to changes, and overcome barriers to improve their social and emotional wellness.
- Counselors: Psychologists and mental health professionals provide personalized emotional and mental support for resource parents. These counselors understand the mental toll of fostering and will help you navigate challenges, process difficult emotions, and embrace rewarding experiences.
Higher Reimbursements and Financial Transparency
KFA goes above and beyond California’s foster care compensation requirements to help resource parents achieve financial stability. You’ll receive a monthly payment to reimburse you for expenses related to caring for your foster child. The amount of the reimbursement is tailored to the services you provide and the child’s needs and averages $50 more than the state-required minimum. We also offer unique programs that can increase your monthly payment up to $6,000 per child.
Unwavering Advocacy
Through every step of the fostering process, Knotts Family Agency serves as your steadfast advocate. We ensure your voice is heard in the placement process so you can foster children who benefit from your care. Our team will also ensure that you are considered for future placements. Our commitment to standing behind our resource parents is an essential part of our mission to find a heart and home for every child.
Our Simple Approval Process
If you want to foster in San Bernardino County, choose Knotts Family Agency, one of the most experienced and professional foster care agencies in the Inland Empire region. Our path to foster parenting is simple and can take as little as two weeks.
Complete the Application With Our Guidance
While other foster care agencies rely on paper-based systems, Knotts Family Agency uses state-of-the-art technology to streamline the application process. Our interactive platform has digital applications, real-time updates, and other tools. With everything in one place, engaging with the process and communicating with our team is effortless. We also provide up to $450 in assistance for any minor home preparations needed to welcome a child.
Get Matched With a Child in Need
We don’t rely on someone’s intuition or convenience when matching resource parents with foster children. Our highly trained specialists follow a comprehensive assessment. We consider your preferences, aptitude, and skills to find children who need the care and affection you have to offer. This process leads to successful matches, happy parents, and well-cared-for children.
Receive Round-the-Clock Professional Support
Urgent needs and emergencies can happen at any time, so we have dedicated personnel available to our resource parents 24/7. Contact us whenever you need immediate support, and have peace of mind knowing we’ll be there for you and your foster children when you need us.
Begin Your Partnership With KFA
Knotts Family Agency is passionate about inspiring the world and changing foster care, starting with providing for foster children in San Bernardino. If you have a heart for caring for children, let us walk you through how to become a foster parent in Southern California.
Contact us online or call 805-507-3076 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.