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.