FAQs • Can I adopt a foster child placed in my home?

Can I adopt a foster child placed in my home?: The primary goal of foster care is to provide temporary care for the child until he or she is able to reunify with their birth family. When this is not possible, foster parents may request to be considered as adoptive parents.
Foster parents may also select to be a “Fost-Adopt” home where they are only contacted if a child is projected to be or has been freed for adoption.

Foster Care

1. What area do you serve?: Tuolumne County Foster Care Licensing licenses homes located in Tuolumne County only.

2. How do I become a foster parent?: Applicants must complete a Foster Family Home Application packet, criminal background check, health screening, home inspection, and pre-service training prior to becoming foster parents.

3. Are there any age restrictions for foster parents?: Applicants must be over the age of 18. There are no age limitations for foster parents.

4. Can I afford to be a foster parent?: Foster parents receive a monthly assistance payment to cover food, clothing, and toiletry costs as well as offset additional costs (such as transportation, extracurricular activities, etc). These payments are not to be considered extra income for the family.
Medical, vision, and dental coverage is provided to foster youth through the Medi-Cal program.

5. Am I required to attend special training?: Yes, applicants are required to complete 27 hours of pre-service training prior to becoming licensed foster parents. An additional eight hours of post-service training is required every year thereafter. These classes are offered at no cost.
In addition, foster parents are required to have age appropriate CPR and First Aid certification.

6. Can I specify the age and gender of the foster children placed in my home?: Yes, foster parents can specify preferences in age and gender. It is critical that children placed in your home are a good match with the members of your family.

7. What are the requirements for my home?: Foster Family Homes must meet the minimum standards outlined in the Title 22, Chapter 9.5, Division 6 California Code of Regulations. Tuolumne County Foster Care Licensing has developed a Foster Family Home Self-Assessment Guide to help you prepare for your initial home inspection.

8. Can I adopt a foster child placed in my home?: The primary goal of foster care is to provide temporary care for the child until he or she is able to reunify with their birth family. When this is not possible, foster parents may request to be considered as adoptive parents.
Foster parents may also select to be a “Fost-Adopt” home where they are only contacted if a child is projected to be or has been freed for adoption.

9. How many foster children am I allowed to have?: The maximum number of children allowed in a home is six, including the foster parent’s biological and adopted children.

10. Are the other ways I can help out besides becoming a licensed foster parent?: Yes, you can become a respite care provider. Respite care providers provide babysitting services for licensed foster parents or approved caregivers either in the caregiver’s home or their own home. Respite care providers must complete a background check, health screening, pre-service training, and be CPR and First Aid Certified.
If you are interested in becoming a respite care provider, please contact Tuolumne County Foster Care Licensing at 533-5773 for more information.