How to Become a Foster Parent in Alameda County, California

Foster care provides a home for children who are unable to stay with their natural families for various reasons. Foster homes are temporary places of residence that offer stability and safety for these displaced children. The Alameda Faith Initiative and the Department of Children and Family Services offer families and individuals the ability to provide a home to foster children. After completion of the application and training process you will be receive a foster care license.

Instructions

    • 1

      Attend a foster or adoptive parent orientation program. Orientations are held every first Thursday of the month in Oakland at the Oakland Main Office, 401 Broadway. Orientations are also held every third Thursday of the month in Hayward, Calif. at Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ: Helen J. Macklin Hall, 27689 Tyrrell Avenue. You will be able to complete an application for the foster care program at the orientation meeting.

    • 2

      Complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks for each individual in the household that is over 18 years of age. The background check will be performed by the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services.

    • 3

      Complete PRIDE training. PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education) training is for future adoptive and foster parents that helps them transition into the foster and adoptive programs.

    • 4

      Attend the state regulations training. Information about regulations training schedules will be provided during your home inspection.

    • 5

      Complete two in-home prospective foster family inspections. These inspections are performed by a California state licensed evaluator and are designed to ensure that your home environment is appropriate for foster children.

    • 6

      Complete CPR and first-aid training. You can attend this training at any licensed training facility.

    • 7

      Complete the licensing application. You will be provided the application by the licensed evaluator who inspects your home.

    • 8

      Complete TB screening for each individual in the home over the age of 18. This test can be performed by any licensed facility. After receiving your training and meeting all the background requirements you will be provided with a foster care license.

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