Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
At Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, we’re here to support you on your foster or adoption journey with guidance that is clear, compassionate, and purpose-driven. As a trusted nonprofit leader, we are committed to empowering your family at any stage of the process, offering meaningful, ongoing support so you feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
FAQs About Fostering
What support and resources do foster parents receive when they partner with Stanford Sierra Youth & Families?
When you become a foster parent with us, you receive:
- 24/7 support with responsive, accessible staff
- Support groups
- Mental health services for the foster youth in your care
- Exceptional training opportunities that are relevant, engaging, and designed to help you grow, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience
- Post-adoption services
- Competitive reimbursement rates
As a community-based agency, we understand the real-life challenges and joys of fostering and adopting, and we walk alongside you every step of the way.
Why Should I Foster?
Fostering is a powerful way to make a real difference in a child or teen’s life. Most young people in foster care have experienced trauma or instability, and by opening your heart and home, you offer the safety, support, care, and consistency they need to heal and grow. Although fostering can be challenging, many caregivers find it deeply rewarding. With patience and flexibility, you can make a real difference not only in a child’s life, but in your own life as well.
Why is now a good time to become a foster parent?
There is a critical shortage of foster families, especially those willing to care for teens, sibling sets, and children with higher needs. Every day, youth in our community wait for a safe place to land. By stepping up today, you can help prevent a child from being placed far from their school, siblings, or support system. There’s no better time than now to join this effort and open your home to a child in need.
I’m curious about fostering but not sure if it’s right for me. How can I learn more and get my questions answered?
We’re here to support you, explain the process, and answer your questions without any pressure or obligation. Here are a few ways to learn more:
- Submit an inquiry form
- Attend one of our free, bi-monthly information sessions. These info sessions are held virtually via Zoom in a group setting on the first and third Thursdays of each month. When selecting a session that best fits your schedule, please note that only the next three to four available dates will be displayed. Click here to register.
- We also offer one-on-one or small group virtual information sessions via Microsoft Teams, where you can select a date and time that best fits your schedule. Click here to schedule your one-on-one information session.
- Call our team directly at 916-603-5640 to have your questions answered OR to set up an information session for your church, community group, or workplace.
I’ve heard I can get approved for foster care through the county. How is that different from going through an agency like yours?
Both paths lead to becoming a foster parent, and in either circumstance, the youth’s case will be managed by a county social worker (CSW). With a Foster Family Agency (FFA) like Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, your family and the youth will also receive the support of an FFA social worker. This worker is available to provide more personalized support and guidance to help you navigate the day-to-day of fostering.
What happens during the foster family approval process, and how long does it take?
We aim to provide the opportunity for families to have an assessment completed within 90-120 days. However, the timeline to become an approved foster (resource) family can vary depending on your unique circumstances and the pace at which you complete the required steps. Check out the steps to approval here
I’ve seen both the terms “foster family” and “resource family.” What is the difference?
The term “foster family” traditionally refers to a family that provides temporary care for youth who cannot live with their parents. “Resource family” is the broader, legal term now used in California and many other states. It reflects that you serve as a resource for children, youth, and their families in many ways, not just through temporary care. A resource family can:
- Provide foster care (short-term or long-term)
- Adopt
- Become a legal guardian
- Offer respite care
In short, “resource family” is the modern term for what was once called a foster family. Being approved as a resource family qualifies you to support children through multiple permanency options.
Eligibility, Requirements & Support
What are the basic requirements to become a foster (resource) parent?
To become a foster (resource) parent, you must…
- Be age 18 or older
- Rent or own your home or apartment with an available bedroom for a youth
- Have a steady source of income
- Be a licensed driver with a car and insurance
- Be patient, flexible, and willing to learn
- Be committed to giving a youth a safe home, your time, and your attention
Who can become a foster parent?
You can become a foster parent regardless of your family or living situation. This includes people who are single, partnered, or in a domestic partnership; employed full-time; already have children or pets; have a disability; don’t have a high income; or have a criminal record (with some limitations).
At Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, we champion a culture where every family belongs. We celebrate and include all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. By honoring these diverse experiences, we create a vibrant community and ensure every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. As a community-based agency, we understand the real-life challenges and joys of fostering and adopting, and we walk alongside you every step of the way.
Can I foster without planning to adopt?
Absolutely. Not all foster (resource) families adopt, and foster-only families are essential to this work.
Foster families provide steady, nurturing care that helps children heal and stay connected to their families. Many youth need a safe place to belong while their birth family works toward reunification or while long-term permanency options are explored. Your care helps them stay connected to their community and maintain hope for their future.
By opening your home, you create stability during times of transition and play a vital role in helping families reunify and thrive. Your support extends beyond one child—it strengthens families, builds community, and shows youth that they are surrounded by people who believe in them.
Do I need training to get approved to become a foster parent?
Yes, training is an important part of becoming a foster parent. It ensures you are prepared to meet the unique needs of youth in foster care. Our training program is designed to give you the tools and confidence to support children who have experienced trauma and to help you build strong, lasting relationships with them.
Pre-approval training includes a minimum of 15.5 hours of required coursework. To maintain your approval, you’ll also need to complete a minimum of 8 hours of training each year (requirements may be higher depending on your approval type).
What ongoing support will I receive as an approved foster family?
After you receive foster family approval with our FFA (Foster Family Agency), you’ll continue to receive ongoing support. This includes:
- Regular support groups with other resource families to share experiences and learn together.
- 24/7 on-call support so you’re never alone when a crisis or urgent situation comes up.
- A dedicated social worker who supports with frequent in-home visits and check-ins.
- Specialized training tailored to the unique needs of the children placed in your home and ongoing training on trauma-informed care, de-escalation, attachment, and child development.
- Respite opportunities to help you take breaks when needed.
- Access to our Resource Family newsletter and community resources such as mental health services, tutoring, and extracurricular supports for youth.
Will I have input on which children are placed in my home?
That depends on the program you choose. For our Standard Care and Intensive Services Foster Care programs, yes, you will have input. Your strengths, skills, comfort level, and family dynamics are central to the placement process, helping us make thoughtful matches that work best for your home.
At the same time, there is a high need for families open to caring for youth aged 10 and older, sibling groups, and emergency placements. These children often remain in care longer because fewer families feel equipped to take them in, yet they are just as deserving of stability, connection, and support.
For our Complex Care, Enhanced Intensive Services Foster Care program, families supported by our team are asked to be open to caring for any youth in need, regardless of their specific needs.
How long will it take for a youth to be placed in my home once I complete the approval process?
Placement can sometimes happen quickly, while other times it may take longer. The timing depends on the needs of the youth in care and the placement criteria identified for your home. Our priority is always to make the best match possible for both you and the youth, and approved families are continually considered for placements as needs arise.
What happens if the youth and I aren’t a good match?
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, a placement may not feel like the right fit, especially in the beginning, when everyone is adjusting, building trust, and settling into routines. If things feel difficult, our team will work closely with you to explore solutions and help you and the youth work through the transition.
If, despite these efforts, it becomes clear that the placement isn’t a good match, we support the team in navigating these conversations collaboratively and developing a plan that promotes a trauma-informed transition for youth and families in a compassionate and mindful manner.
Will I receive financial support for fostering?
Foster families receive a set monthly reimbursement to help cover the costs of caring for a youth. The exact amount depends on the youth’s individual care needs. These care stipends are generally not considered taxable income, as they are reimbursements for the cost of providing foster care.
FAQs About Adoption
How does foster-to-adopt work?
Foster-to-adopt means you provide foster care with the possibility of adopting the child if they cannot safely return to their birth family.
The primary goal of foster care is always reunification, helping youth safely return to their family whenever possible. During this time, you provide a stable, nurturing home as a Resource Parent, supporting both the youth and their family through the healing process.
If reunification isn’t possible, the court and the child’s team explore permanency through relatives or the current Resource Family. Because you’ve already built trust and connection, you may become the child’s permanent family through adoption.
Foster-to-adopt ensures children have stability and love now, while giving families the opportunity to become a forever home in the future.
Do I have to foster before I can adopt?
Yes, when children enter foster care, the first goal is always reunification, helping them safely return to their birth family whenever possible. As a Resource Family, you provide stability, nurturing, and a sense of belonging while permanency plans are made.
Some children have already completed that part of their journey and are waiting for a forever family. Through our foster-to-adopt program, you may be part of a child’s story from the very beginning or join further along their path.
No matter where the journey begins, the focus is always on creating safety, connection, and a lasting family for a child in need.
Is there an adoption fee?
Adopting through our foster-to-adopt program does not include agency fees. The only cost at the time of adoption finalization is a small court filing fee (currently $20, which may be subject to change).
There may be minimal costs during the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process, such as fingerprinting, medical exams, or required documentation – but these are typically low and vary by your chosen provider. Our team will walk you through each step so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Can I adopt an infant through your agency?
Infant adoptions through foster care are possible, but they’re less common. When infants enter care, they are often served by foster-to-adopt families and foster-only families while the court and social work team work toward reunification or identifying kin who can provide long-term care.
Our greatest ongoing need is for families ready to open their homes to children and teens who are seeking stability, connection, and a sense of belonging. Every age brings unique moments of growth, joy, and the chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.