A quiet check-in with yourself

Are you at least 21 years old?

California requires foster caregivers to be 21 or older.

Do you currently live in California?

Do you have stable housing with space for a child?

You can rent or own. A child needs a safe place to sleep — a separate room is ideal but not always required.

Is your household income stable enough to meet your current needs?

You don't need to be wealthy. Foster families receive a monthly stipend to help cover the child's costs.

Are you willing to complete fingerprinting and background checks?

Required for every adult in the home.

Can you commit time for training, home visits, and appointments?

Pre-approval training is typically 12–27 hours. Expect ongoing visits with the social worker.

Do you have a support network — family, friends, community?

What draws you to fostering?

California's foster system aims for reunification with birth families when safe. How does that sit with you?

Children in care often arrive with trauma. Are you open to learning trauma-informed caregiving?

Are you in reasonably good physical and emotional health?

Are other adults in your home supportive of fostering?

Every adult in the home will be part of the approval process.