Foster Parenting Questions

1. How do I apply?
    
   First, you must attend an Orientation Meeting. Call 1-800-722-4477 to find out dates and locations. The application process will be explained in more detail at these meetings.
   

2. How much will I be paid?
    
   You, as a foster parent, you do not get paid. For each foster child placed in your home, you will receive a foster care reimbursement to be used for the care, clothing and feeding of the foster child. The basic foster care rates currently range from $446 to $ 667 per month, depending on the age of the child. For children who have special requirements, there is a specialized care increment, $84.00 or $169.00 per month, determined by the child’s social worker.
   

3. How many children can I have?
    
   The number of foster children that can be placed in a foster home varies depending on the size and capacity of the home. California State Licensing Regulations set an absolute limit of six foster children in a foster home, with no more that two children per bedroom.
   

4. How soon will I get placement?
    
   It is difficult to say when you will get your first placement. Generally speaking, once you complete the licensing process and receive your license, social workers will begin calling you to place a child.
   

5. What are the age requirements to be a foster parent?
    
   California State Licensing Regulations require an applicant to be an adult who is at least 18 years of age. However, this is only one factor to be considered. We are also looking for a solid background in parenting children. Such a background is seldom, if ever, present in young adults. As a rule of thumb, we look for people who have attained at least ten years of adulthood.
   

6. Do I have to be married? My boyfriend and I live together; is that O.K.?
   
   We are looking for a stable family-type setting in which to place foster children. This can be a single parent, married couple, or an unmarried couple with a stable relationship.
   

7. Do I have to have a job?
    
   You must have some way to support your family. California State Regulations require that foster families must be able to meet all their family’s financial needs. AFDC/Foster Care cannot be used as income for this purpose.
   

8. Can I work full time and have foster children?
    
   You may work full time and have foster children. However, foster parents who work full time usually are not available when social workers need to place children in foster homes; and, full time employment restricts the time foster parents are available to foster children for whom they provide care. Infants and toddlers need the full time care provided by an at-home mother.
   

9. What kind of children are foster children?
   
   These are children who may be severely neglected, suffering from physical or sexual abuse and may have emotional problems related to their experiences. The children’s behavior may not be appropriate to their ages. Regardless of the physical and emotional problems with which these children must deal, they all need a safe, nurturing home environment.
   
   

10. Do I need to have a car? Telephone? Extra bedroom?
    You must have a telephone and be able to provide transportation. Each foster child must have his or own bed and may share a bedroom with only one other child. When sharing a bedroom, children over the age of five must be of the same gender.
    
    For more information about Foster Parenting call:
    
    909-891-3300 or 1-800-722-4477
    
    or write to:
    
    County Foster Care
    412 West Hospitality Lane
    San Bernardino, CA 92415