How to become a resource family in California

RFA is California's unified approval process for relatives and nonrelatives who may provide foster care, adoption, or guardianship. It combines a home environment assessment, background review, training, and family evaluation.

Start with a free orientation offered by your county child welfare agency or a licensed foster family agency. Compare both routes before deciding which organization should assess and support your family.

Generally yes. A relative or nonrelative extended family member may receive an emergency placement first, but the county then completes the applicable RFA assessments. Child-specific and simplified processes can apply in some circumstances.

The current RFA Written Directives state that there is no minimum income requirement. The family evaluation still considers the applicant's understanding of legal and financial responsibilities and the ability to provide stable care.

Yes. Home ownership and marriage are not statewide prerequisites, employment is not a bar by itself, and California requires nondiscrimination. The assessment focuses on safety, stability, support, and the ability and willingness to meet a child's needs.

The statewide minimum is 12 hours for each applicant. A county or foster family agency may require additional hours, a particular curriculum, live participation, or specialized training.

The statewide minimum is eight hours for each resource parent every 12 months on the approval anniversary. When a child is placed in the home, part of the learning must support that child's case plan, goals, and needs.

Treat CPR and first aid as separate requirements unless your RFA worker says otherwise. Current certificates or an allowed equivalent must be documented no later than 90 days after approval and kept current.

Not automatically. 101PD's course shells are not yet published or accepted for mandated hours. Each county or foster family agency decides whether a provider, course, format, and number of hours are acceptable. Obtain confirmation before enrolling for credit.

The assessment covers the building and grounds, sleeping arrangements, emergency planning, storage of medicines and dangerous items, water and fire safety, transportation, and other standards. Use the current RFA-03 checklist with your worker rather than relying on a web summary alone.

No. Some convictions are nonexemptible, while other records may be reviewed through an exemption process. Every case is fact-specific. Disclose requested history accurately and discuss the official background process with the approving agency.

No. California law states that approval does not guarantee an initial, continued, adoptive, or guardianship placement. Matching decisions consider the child, the family, capacity, preferences, needs, and case plan.

No. Foster care payments support a child's care and supervision. The amount can depend on the applicable rate structure and assessed needs. It should not be described as wages or a salary.

Both routes must apply California RFA standards, but orientation schedules, support models, placement populations, added training, and local procedures vary. Ask each organization who provides after-hours support, respite, training, and placement coordination.

The Written Directives state that the approval certificate remains in effect, but a resource family must continue meeting requirements and cooperate with monitoring and approval updates. Report household, address, and other material changes promptly.