The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Requirements

The Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) is seeking motivated community members to become resource (foster) families who agree to:

• Participate in Pre-Approval training;
• Aim to submit a completed application within 60 days;
• Aspire to complete the approval process within 90 days of submitting an RFA application.

The following is a partial list of requirements to be completed prior to approval. For more information, please contact 408-299-5437 (KIDS) and sign up for a 1-hour Informational Meeting.

 

Basic Requirements and Qualifications to become a Resource Family

• Applicant(s) must be at least 18 years of age. Have the ability to provide stability and consistency, love, support, and care to a child/youth in foster care.
• Be in good physical and mental health to ensure that you can meet the needs of children/youth coming into your home (A physical exam may be required.)
• Have sufficient income to meet your current household expenses.
• May own or rent your home, and must have adequate space for an additional child/youth. May be married, single, separated or divorced, LGBTQ+ or same-sex families, any religious background.

 

Training

• Applicant(s) must attend a 1-hr. Informational Meeting and complete the RFA Orientation.
• Attend 27 hr. pre-approval training to learn about DFCS and the Juvenile Dependency System, how to meet the needs of children/youth in care, and how to best work with the child/youth’s family of origin and social worker.
• Applicant(s) must obtain certification in Pediatric and Adult CPR and First aid by completing in classroom-hands on training for initial certification. (Must be completed within 90 days of approval.)

 

Assessment

• Applicants must complete an application packet, which includes references, health questionnaire, verification of employment and control of property, i.e. utility bills, grant deed or rental/lease agreement.
• All adults residing or regularly present in the home must submit to a background check/live scan.
• Complete a permanency assessment and home inspection.

 

Home Safety Inspection

• Home must have adequate bedroom space to accommodate all family members including children/youth placed in your home.
• All furniture must be safe and in good repair.
• Home must have functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Poisons, firearms and other dangerous weapons must be locked.
• Working telephone is required.
• Home and yard must be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair.
• Swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, or any other bodies of water must be secured according to RFA Written Directives.
• Medicines must be inaccessible to children/youth.
• Home remodels, additions and conversions, i.e., garages, must not pose a violation of personal rights or a hazard to health and safety and may require an inspection by a local building inspector.
• Cleaners, toxins and other hazardous items must be inaccessible to children/youth.