A Resource Family is an individual, couple, or family who has completed the official Resource Family Approval (RFA) process to provide foster care or adoption to a child in the care of Guardians of Love. Commonly referred to as foster parents, resource families include relatives, extended family members, and non-relatives.
Being a resource parent is a truly a special calling, that gives ordinary people the real opportunity to do something extraordinary. The most significant reward of being a resource parent is having an impact on the lives of children and teens in a significant way.
THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS NEEDED
TO BECOME A RESOURCE PARENT
Below are the basic necessary requirements to be considered for our resource parent program. If you answered yes to each of the items listed below, and believe you are a good fit for resource parenthood, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today!
MINIMUM AGE
Be at least 21 years of age or older at the time of application submission.
sound + Capable
Be physically and emotionally able to care for a foster child.
background CLEARANCE
Ensure all adult household members and frequent visitors are able to pass a criminal background check.
FULL ACCEPTANCE
Be willing to accept a child of any ethnicity or faith into the home.
TEAM EFFORT
Ensure all household members are interested in caring for a foster child.
HEALTH SCREENING
You are willing to receive a TB
test as well as a health screening.
ANNUAL INCOME
Maintain an income that will cover the basic needs of your family & foster child until you can be reimbursed.
TRANSPORTATION
Have reliable transportation, a valid driving license, proof of car insurance, and vehicle registration.
bedroom SPACE
Provide enough age-appropriate bedroom space for each member in the home and the foster child.
bedroom sharing
Children ages 4+ must room with a child of the same sex and within a five year age gap. No more than two children per room.
TEMPORARY CARE
Be able to provide a babysitter or emergency caregiver over the age
of 21 with the required fingerprint clearances and paperwork.
RFA Training
Obtain caregiver approval to foster, adopt, or provide legal guardianship to young adults in the child welfare system.
THE step-by-step CERTIFICATION PROCESS
TO BECOMING A RESOURCE PARENT
1
ORIENTATION
Orientation is an informal meeting for you to learn about the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process, ask important questions and decide whether you are ready to become a resource parent/family.
2
APPLICATION
Get in contact with us to complete your application. One of our agents will set up an appointment time that fits within your schedule.
We can provide you with more in-depth information about the foster care process and the tools needed to deal with various situations you may encounter as a certified resource parent.
3
LIVE SCAN
Background checks that include electronically submitted fingerprints, or Live Scans, are required for everyone who aspires to provide foster care to children.
Resource parents and all adults residing in a particular household must undergo a background screening before children
can be placed in that home.
4
TRAINING CLASSES
Prospective Resource Parents are required to attend 12 hours of pre-approved RFA Training. This program will provide you with valuable information about the foster care system, the needs of children, and what it truly means to be a Resource Family.
5
HOME INSPECTION
A Social Worker will schedule a time to meet with you and your family to assess your home's safety. During the inspection they will make sure your home passes a basic health and safety inspection and that it is able to provide a suitable environment for children in the foster care system.
6
HOME STUDY ASSESSMENT
This assessment will assist in determining your
readiness to provide a safe and stable home
environment for children who cannot safely
live with their own families.
The purpose of this assessment is to discuss:
• Your family's personal history
• Interest and lifestyles
• Childcare experiences
• Types of children you feel would best fit in your home
• Your strengths and skills in meeting the children's needs
7
FOLLOW UP HOME INSPECTION
A secondary home inspection will be scheduled to double-check that any flagged repairs or missing checklist items from the initial home inspections have been successfully completed.
8
FULLY CERTIFIED!
Once your home study is approved you will be certified by our parent coordinator. Congratulations! You are ready to take foster children into your home.
contact us today for more information
How do I get Started?
Once you decide to take the first step, Guardians will guide you through the process. Call to speak with a foster professional, tell us your specific needs and together, we’ll explore your options to change the life of a child in need. Get in touch with us today!
POTENTIAL RESOURCE PARENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?
Foster care is family care for children who need a substitute home during periods when their own parents are unable to take care of them. It is a temporary situation. It can last for various periods of time, depending on the individual family situation. Some children may be reunified with their biological parents or relatives and others may need longer-term foster care.
WHY ARE CHILDREN PLACED IN FOSTER CARE?
Most often, children come into foster care due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
WHAT AREAS DOES GUARDIANS OF LOVE SERVICE?
Currently, we service Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
How long will it take to become a certified RESOURCE parent??
Typically, the certification process takes about three to four months. This largely depends on the applicant’s ability to complete all paperwork and pass a background check.
What are the costs associated with becoming a certified RESOURCE parent?
Although our Resource Foster Approval class is free, you are responsible for criminal clearances, health and TB exam, DMV driving record, along with the cost associated to making any necessary improvements for your home.
Do I need to take classes to become a certified resource parent?
In order to become a certified foster parent you must successfully complete the Resource Foster Approval Class (R.F.A). It is a 12 hour class designed to give you more in depth information about the foster care process and the tools needed to deal with various situations you may encounter as a certified foster parent.
Do I have to own my own home to become a certified resource parent?
It is not required that you own a home in order to become a certified foster parent. Although, it is a requirement that you have enough bedroom space in the home for everyone, including the foster child(ren).
May I specify the ages and genders of the children placed in my home?
You are encouraged to specify the ages and genders of the children you feel will be suitable for your home and your family. This will allow us to find a perfect match for minors placed in your home and your family.