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A resource parent provides care for a child who cannot safely live at home. California uses Resource Family Approval to assess and prepare caregivers.

No. Foster care may be temporary and often supports reunification. Adoption creates a permanent legal family when that is the child’s approved plan.

Yes. Start with the FAQs at your own pace. You can book a phone orientation when you want to discuss your next step.

A Parent Onboarding Specialist explains the process and helps you consider how resource parenting could fit your household. You can book a 30-minute phone orientation when you are ready.

Book a phone orientation

No. An inquiry starts a conversation. Application, assessment and approval are separate steps. A booking or email response does not confer approval.

No. KomUnity is an optional learning and community resource. You can read these FAQs, book a phone orientation and begin the onboarding process without joining.

KFA serves families in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. Share your current city with a Parent Onboarding Specialist so KFA can confirm service coverage for your address.

Yes. Single adults can pursue approval. The assessment considers their ability to provide safe care and meet a child’s needs.

Yes. Different household arrangements can be considered. The assessment includes the people in the home and how they will support the child.

Yes. Working caregivers need a realistic plan for child care, school, appointments and family visits. Discuss your schedule during the assessment.

No. Resource families may rent or own. The home still needs to meet the applicable safety and space requirements.

Your household must be able to meet its own financial needs. Do not plan on a future placement payment to cover existing household expenses.

KFA requires applicants to be at least 21 years old. The approval process also considers readiness, household circumstances and the ability to meet a child’s needs.

An individual assessment considers the ability to provide safe, consistent care. Describe any support or accommodation you need through the agency’s private assessment process.

Yes. The approval process includes a home-environment assessment to review safety and suitability for children.

Yes. Ownership and housing type alone do not determine approval. The actual home must satisfy the applicable safety and space requirements.

Room-sharing depends on the children, household and applicable standards. Have the agency review your planned sleeping arrangements before buying furniture or changing rooms.

Capacity is established through the approval and placement process. It depends on available space, household composition and the needs of the children.

Start by identifying safety concerns. Ask for the applicable checklist before making costly changes; the home assessment determines what must be addressed.

Tell the agency about pets, pools and other potential hazards. The home review determines the safeguards needed for a child’s safety.

Tell KFA your current and planned city and timing. Service coverage, home assessment and approval updates must be reviewed for your circumstances.

Expect an application, required checks, training, a home assessment and a family evaluation. The agency explains how those steps fit your circumstances.

Approval time depends on you. Once you’ve submitted all your documents, the agency guarantees a decision within two weeks.

It is a structured discussion of your household, experience, strengths and readiness to meet a child’s needs. It is part of the approval process.

Applicants and other adults covered by the applicable requirements need checks. The agency identifies who must be screened and provides the correct instructions.

Some histories may require an exemption; others can prevent approval. The result requires an individual review. Do not send sensitive details in a general inquiry email.

Do not assume a work clearance meets foster-care requirements. The agency must verify the required checks and association for this application.

Additional child-abuse checks may be required. Give the agency accurate residence history through its approved process and follow its document instructions.

Yes. Training is part of Resource Family Approval. KFA provides guidance on required courses, including preparation for caring for children and ongoing learning after approval.

Yes. Discuss your household’s strengths and limits during assessment. Placement decisions consider the child’s needs and the family’s capacity.

Yes. Families who can care for siblings or teenagers help meet an important need. Discuss the ages and needs you can support with KFA.

No. Approval and placement are separate. Timing depends on children’s needs and a suitable match with an available family.

No. KFA’s policy is not to pressure families to accept a child they do not feel equipped to care for. Discuss your questions and concerns before agreeing to a placement.

Discuss daily routines, known care needs, school, appointments, family contact and available support. Clarify what you can provide and what assistance is needed.

Raise concerns with the child’s team promptly and ask about support. Plan changes with the responsible professionals so the child’s safety and stability remain central.

Family contact is guided by the child’s case plan and court orders. Caregivers help support permitted visits and coordinate practical arrangements with the team.

Caregivers support everyday attendance and care, while legal decision-making authority may remain with a parent or another rights holder. Clarify responsibilities with the child’s worker.

Child care can be part of the family’s plan. Ask which arrangements are appropriate and whether assistance is available for the child and county.

Respite is planned temporary care that supports caregivers. Arrange it with the child’s team and follow the applicable provider and approval requirements.

Training, counseling and coordinated services can help families respond to a child’s needs. Ask which supports are available and how to access them.

Offer predictable routines, patient support and respect for the child’s identity, relationships and experiences. Use training and the child’s team when you need help.

Forming a caring bond is a valuable part of fostering. It can also make transitions emotional. KFA offers counseling and support groups to help resource parents work through these feelings while supporting the child’s plan.

KFA provides 24/7 emergency support to resource families and training to help caregivers respond to crises. Use the emergency contact instructions provided by your KFA team. For immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

KFA’s Parent Delight approach includes personal support, training, counseling and community resources. Parent Delight Assistants can help with practical needs. Ask your KFA team how to access the services available to your family.

No. There is no fee to apply.

Knotts Family Agency honors state-required rates and offers competitive rates to resource parents. For current rates and an explanation of the support available, ask a Parent Onboarding Specialist.

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KFA’s policy provides reimbursement of up to $450 for actual, receipt-supported eligible costs. Reimbursement is processed after a child has been in the family home for at least 30 nights.

KFA issues monthly care payments between the 20th and 25th for care provided in the previous month. If you have a question about your payment, contact your KFA team.

Sometimes, when adoption becomes the child’s plan. Fostering does not guarantee adoption, and caregivers must support the current permanency plan, including reunification.

Yes, KFA will process your portability request consistent with applicable regulations.

No. California’s expedited portability process addresses specific agency closures related to lost insurance. Other transfers follow the applicable regular portability process.

Explore these answers at your own pace. When you are ready, book a phone orientation with a Parent Onboarding Specialist. If your question is not covered here, you can also email ParentSupport.

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