Become a Foster Parent in California
Happy Parents, Nurturing Children
At Knotts Family Agency (KFA), we are deeply committed to supporting prospective foster parents in California through a personalized, parent-centric approach. Our focus is on creating stable, nurturing environments for children, and we invest in the ongoing education and support of foster families. Our resource parents are cherished for their selflessness and commitment to improving the lives of children.
What Is Foster Care?
Foster care involves temporarily placing a child or children in the safe and capable hands of foster parents, also called resource parents. These children need a nurturing and loving environment, often because their parents or legal guardians are not able to care for them. Children may be placed under the care of foster parents for a short or extended period of time.
Benefits and Rewards of Becoming a Foster Parent
At the heart of KFA lies an unapologetic commitment to Parent Delight. This isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a philosophy that permeates every interaction, policy and program. We treat resource parents as equal partners in the noble endeavor of providing homes for children. This focus reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence and ability to meet the multifaceted needs of both children and resource parents.
Experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment as you establish a nurturing relationship with a child. Additional benefits of being a foster parent include:
- Online foster parent training and continuing education: KFA’s approach is characterized by compassionate and respectful training, ensuring resource parents are equipped to manage the rewarding yet intricate journey of foster care.
- Incentivized training programs: Resource parents pursuing over 40 hours of annual training receive additional stipends, emphasizing our investment in their continuous professional and personal growth.
- Ongoing check-ins and support: An attentive Child-Parent Advocate or Counselor will visit on a regular basis and provide resources and counseling for the child’s care.
- Beyond the basics: KFA offers resources and referrals for assistance with food, housing, legal services, health and other programs. From concierge services to personnel available around the clock to respond to emergencies, we provide an unparalleled fostering experience.
- Financial transparency and generosity: KFA goes above and beyond to offer transparent financial protocols. You are assured of receiving appropriate monthly reimbursements tailored to the child’s needs and the services you provide. In addition, unique programs may allow for higher monthly reimbursement rates of up to $6,000 for one child.
- One of the highest-paying and most generous, monthly non-taxable incomes in the region: KFA is proactive in monitoring monthly stipends or reimbursement rates and often offers an average of $50 more than the state-required minimum. This additional financial support underscores our commitment to compensate resource parents adequately.
- Psychological support and VIP programs: Beyond conventional support, KFA offers unique benefits like bespoke psychological services, a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our resource parents, and exclusive VIP perks to nurture their well-being.
- And more!
Foster Parent Requirements in California
Before you can become a resource parent in California, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- Age: A prospective foster parent must be at least 21.
- Proper documentation: You must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Background: You must have no criminal history that would prevent you from being a foster parent.
- Space: Whether you own a home or rent, you must have at least one extra bedroom for the foster child or children.
- Finances: While there are no minimum income requirements, foster parents must be able to manage their own expenses.
The Application and Approval Process
Our process is simple. It starts with the application and then background check, training, interview and agency approval. How long the process takes from start to finish depends on how quickly you can submit your documents and the background check that follows. You may complete the agency approval process in as little as two weeks.
You are in control of your process. With our system, you know exactly what forms or documents are needed and where you are in the approval process.
You can monitor your progress through our secured and proprietary family portal. After agency approval, your file is submitted to your county for final clearance so that you can begin to receive children in your home.
Step 1: Orientation and Application
Step 2: Background Check
Step 3: Pre-approval Training
Step 4: Home Inspection and Interview
Step 5: Agency Approval
Step 6: County Clearance
Step 7: Child Placed in Your Home
Contact us to learn more about our unique approach and how we are re-inventing how foster parenting is done.
Contact us
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