1. Do I have to own my home to be a foster/resource parent?
No, resource parents can rent or own their home. They can reside in an apartment or a house. You just need to have enough space in your home for a foster youth/NMDs with their belongings.
2. How much will it cost me to become a foster/resource parent?
The agency doesn’t charge potential resource parents anything. You will incur fees for: fingerprints/live scans, CPR & First Aid certification, driving record from DMV, health screening report including a TB test and result and if applicable a water safety class. You will also need to have your home equipped with fire extinguisher(s), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, locks for cabinet(s), first aid kit and earthquake kit.
3. Can I get reimbursed for the expenses that I incur to become a foster/resource parent?
Yes, once you are approved and provide receipts for the incurred costs in the total amount of $200.00
4. How many foster children can I have in my home?
You can have up to 6 children including your own to be determined on availability of the space.
FIH ISFC program will allow for no more than two children/youth/NMDs in foster care, one or both of whom may be an ISFC eligible child placed in an ISFC resource family home. To accommodate sibling group placement when at least one sibling (but not more than two) is identified as an ISFC child/youth/NMD, there can be no more than a total of five foster children in an ISFC resource family home. Prior to placement of a second ISFC child/youth/NMD, or any subsequent child/youth/NMD or sibling placement, FIH ISFC program will provide each county placing agency with a written assessment of the risk and compatibility of placing subsequent foster children. Placement may then be made, if approved, by the county placing agencies involved, considering the recommendations of the CFT.
5. Can I be a foster/resource parent if I work?
Yes.
6. Do I have to be married to be a foster/resource parent?
No.
7. Do both my significant other and I have to complete the approval process?
Yes.
8. How much income must I have to be a foster/resource parent?
You must be financially self-reliant and able to show enough income to cover your own monthly expenses. Foster care funds should not be viewed as income.
9. Can my child share a room with a foster youth/NMDs?
Yes
10. Can the foster youth/NMDs go on trips with the resource family?
Yes
11. Do you have children waiting to be placed?
Yes
12. How long does the process take to become a foster/resource parent?
The length of the process is largely based on the individual and has a lot to do with how quickly you complete the requirements. In general, however, the process typically takes a minimum of 4 months or sooner.
13. How much financial compensation do foster/resource parents receive?
Resource parents receive a monthly reimbursement payment based on the Level of Care of their foster child and the program through which the child is placed as follows.
| LOC Rate | Monthly Compensation |
| Basic LOC | $960 |
| LOC 2 | $1068 |
| LOC 3 | $1176 |
| LOC 4 | $1284 |
Resource parents with Whole Foster Family Home certification receive an additional $200 a month for the teen parent with certificate, as well as $900 for the teen to spend on infant specific expenses.
Compensation for children placed in the Intensive Services Foster Care (ISFC program) is $2,505/month regardless of age.
ESC rates are as follows:
$400 per month for each bed you hold available for children ages newborn-12
$400 per month for each bed you hold available for youth ages 13-17
$400 per month for each bed you hold available for sibling groups ages newborn-17 (a 4-bed minimum is required)
$600 per month for each bed and crib you hold available for a teen parent and infant
14. Is the monthly payment taxable?
No, it is considered a reimbursement for the care of the foster child; much like child support.
15. Can I claim the foster youth/NMDs on my taxes?
Because we are not accountants or tax preparers, we prefer that you consult your own accountant for this answer.
16. What is Pre-Approval training?
A comprehensive training designed to prepare potential resource parents on how to work effectively with children who have been abused and neglected. The goal is to help you build positive relationships with children of abuse and neglect focusing on the welfare of the child.
17. What are you looking for when you come to my home for a home inspection?
We are looking to assess if your home is safe and meets the State regulations under Community Care Licensing, Title XXII requirements for the physical capacity (space) to accommodate foster children with their belongings.
18. How often will an agency social worker visit my home?
It is an agency practice for the foster care social worker to visit the foster children on a weekly basis.
19. How long will the foster youth/NMDs be in my home?
It depends solely on the County placing agency to determine the length of stay.