Grants for Foster Parents in California

The California Department of Social Services (DSS) looks for competent loving homes that can care for children the courts place in the foster care system of the State. The foster care system does not pay parents specifically for fostering the child but it does provide a number of special programs and benefits that can assist the foster parents.

  1. Financial Assistance

    • California provides monthly payments to foster parents to offset the cost of raising a foster child. In addition to assistance towards the foster child's health care that Medi-Cal pays, California DSS provides foster families with financial assistance for the child's food, clothing and other costs. California DSS pays an extra stipend for the care of foster children whom the State labels "special needs".

      California Department of Children and Family Services

      425 Shatto Place

      Los Angeles, CA 90020

      213-351-5507

      dcfs.ca.us

    Respite Care

    • Foster parents who care for children with behavioral issues or special needs can burn out. Finding them proper respite care may assist them in successfully raising their foster child. Many counties in California offer a respite care program which allows foster parents of special needs children to take a break, assured that trained caretakers will tend to the child in a professional and caring manner. Foster parents of challenging or special needs children can parent more effectively and efficiently if they can take some time off. Foster parents in California should contact their county's Department of Social Services to inquire as to whether the respite program operates in their county (see resources).

    Parenting Classes

    • Many DSS and private foster/adoption agencies in the State of California offer parenting classes before and during the foster care period. Many courses run online so foster parents who cannot attend classes may participate through online viewing. Foster parents may access these parenting courses for free. Social workers and other child care professionals teach the classes which cover how to parent a child with special needs or emotional issues, how to manage stress, how to structure the child's environment and how to successfully discipline the child.

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