Honest answers to common questions
Quick, plain-English answers — plus a glossary and trusted links for going deeper.
Do I have to be married or have kids to foster?+
No. Single people, couples (married or not), LGBTQ+ individuals, and people without prior parenting experience can all be approved as resource families in California.
Do I need to own my home?+
No. Renters can foster. You'll need your landlord's awareness if your lease requires it, and the home must meet basic safety standards.
How much does it cost to become a foster parent?+
There is no fee to become a resource family in California. You may have small out-of-pocket costs for fingerprinting, physicals, or CPR training, and some agencies cover or reimburse these.
Do foster parents get paid?+
You receive a monthly stipend to cover the child's expenses — food, clothing, school supplies. The amount depends on the child's age and needs. It is reimbursement, not income.
How long does the approval process take?+
Most families complete the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process in 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly you complete training, paperwork, and the home study.
Will I be able to adopt the child I foster?+
California's first goal is reunification with the birth family. Some children do become legally free for adoption, and many resource families adopt children in their care — but you should enter fostering ready to support reunification.
Can I work full-time and still foster?+
Yes. Many foster parents work full-time. You'll need flexibility for appointments, court dates, and emergencies, and some children need licensed childcare which the agency can help arrange.
What if I have a criminal record?+
Some convictions are automatically disqualifying, but many are reviewed case-by-case. Be upfront with your agency — undisclosed records cause more problems than disclosed ones.
Can I choose the age or gender of the child?+
Yes. You set preferences during the home study, and you can decline a placement that isn't right for your family.
What support do foster families get?+
Resource families have access to a social worker, 24/7 emergency support, monthly visits, ongoing training, peer support groups, and the monthly stipend. Children's medical care is covered through Medi-Cal.
A short glossary
- RFA
- Resource Family Approval — California's unified approval process for foster, relative, and adoptive caregivers.
- FFA
- Foster Family Agency — a private non-profit licensed by California to recruit, train, and support foster families on behalf of counties.
- Reunification
- The legal goal of returning a child safely to their birth parents or family of origin.
- Placement
- Bringing a child into your home for foster care.
- Home study
- Also called family evaluation — the interview and assessment process completed by a social worker.
- Live Scan
- California's electronic fingerprinting service used for background checks.
- CWS / DCFS / DSS
- Different county names for Child Welfare Services, Department of Children & Family Services, or Department of Social Services.
Trusted resources
California Department of Social Services — Foster Care
Official state portal for foster care policy, forms, and county directories.
Open →Resource Family Approval (RFA) Program
Detailed information on the RFA approval process and requirements.
Open →California Foster Youth Help
Resources and rights information for foster youth and their caregivers.
Open →AdoptUSKids — California
Step-by-step guidance for prospective foster and adoptive families.
Open →National Foster Parent Association
Advocacy, training, and peer community for foster families nationwide.
Open →California Alliance of Child and Family Services
Statewide association of FFAs and child welfare providers.
Open →