Question 1

Who are the Children in Need Of Placement?

Accepted Answer

Today there are thousands of children in California's foster care system. Most require temporary out-of-home care due to parental neglect or abuse. All the children vary in age and needs.    Many of these children are infants, school-aged, sibling sets, and teens.  These are critical periods that require child-centered parenting that is nurturing, predictable and trauma-informed.  This helps children thrive as they acquire a sense of safety and mastery.

Question 2

How Do I Become a Foster Parent?

Accepted Answer

A Resource Family Approval (RFA) is required to operate a resource family home. The approval process is usually completed in three to six months. A Social Worker will visit your home to meet with you and other family members. Your home or apartment must meet safety and space requirements. Foster parents work with agency staff to determine the type of child best suited for their home (i.e., age). Depending on the availability of children, they may be placed immediately after approval.   Foster parents receive a monthly stipend for the children placed in their care. Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program.

Question 3

What qualifications do the foster care social workers have?

Accepted Answer

All LFI Social Workers have a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Social Welfare. Many of our Social Workers are also licensed as Clinical Social Workers in the State of California. All LFI staff is bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural.

Foster Care