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.