Support & Assistance to DFCS Resource Families
The Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) is actively recruiting Resource (foster) families who can provide a stable and loving home for children of all ages. There is an urgent need for families who are willing and motivated to care for children with special needs, teens and sibling groups. DFCS believes in working side by side with resource (foster) families in caring for children/youth in foster care. We do this so that resource (foster) families and the children/youth in their care will be successful. We offer and provide a wide range of supportive services that include:
- Monthly financial reimbursement for each child/youth.
- Medi-Cal insurance coverage for each child/youth.
- Special Care Increment for children/youth with special needs.
- Childcare Assistance for working Resource Families.
- Respite Care Program. This service is for resource (foster) parents who need short-term care for up to 72 hours. Examples: family emergencies, work related issues or problems within the home. Each RFA family is allowed 200 hours annually.
Resource and Advocacy Support Services: Each RFA home will be assigned a Resource Family Home advocate when a child/youth is placed in a resource (foster) home. The advocate will provide support, access to resources, and address issues that may arise.
Resource and Advocacy Support Services: Each RFA home will be assigned a Resource Family Home advocate when a child/youth is placed in a resource (foster) home. The advocate will provide support, access to resources, and address issues that may arise.
- Kinship Support Services: Each relative or non-relative extended family member who is caring for a related child/youth living in Santa Clara County will be assigned a resource specialist. The specialist will provide support, assist them in accessing resources, and address issues that may arise.
- Reimbursement for transportation to school of origin.
- Multilingual support and services.
Training – Prior to approval, Resource (foster) Parents will participate in 27 hours of training not including the required CPR, First Aid. After approval, In-service trainings are offered to help the resource (foster) families meet the needs of the children/youth placed in the home and meet the State mandate of 8 hours of annual continuing education. A few examples of training are crisis intervention, substance abuse issues, stages of development, behavior and positive discipline. Training is provided by West Valley Community Colleges.
Santa Clara County Kinship, Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (KAFPA) has an array of supportive services including:
- On-going trainings/workshops.
- Events that support children/youth and resource (foster) parents throughout the year.
- A mentoring program.
- Holiday gifts and events.
- Multi-lingual support and services.
Please visit the Caregiver Supports and Community Information webpage for Information and Resource Family/Caregiver Supports.
Quick Links
The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Requirements Support & Assistance to DFCS Resource Families Intensive Treatment Foster Care Programs Kinship, Adoptive and Foster Parent Association (KAFPA) Resource Family FAQ2-1-1 United Way Bay AreaKAFPA Summer Youth Program for Foster and Low-Income Youths