Resource Family Approval (RFA)

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Green Tree with RFA Text

A Child in Our Community Needs You

Children in the foster care system need caring families to provide safety and stability. Resource Parents, formerly known as Foster Parents, provide this with the ultimate goal of reunifying children with their birth parents.

As a Resource Parent, you can give a child the love and security he/she needs. You can play a significant role in helping families by providing a temporary foster care home or, if reunification with birth parents is not possible, provide a long-term home through Adoption or Legal Guardianship.

As a Resource Parent, you will partner with Social Workers, the local court system, and other community agencies to ensure children in foster care are safe, healthy, and able to reach their full potential. You can become the support that makes a difference in foster children’s lives. Children in your community need your support. We thank you for caring about kids in your community.

What is the Role of a Resource Parent?

Resource Parents provide safe, stable, and caring homes for children at risk of abuse or neglect. Resource Parents become part of a team, which support children and implement plans made for an individual child. Although the initial goal is to reunify children with birth parents, if the child cannot reunify, Resource Parents may be eligible to adopt or become Legal Guardians to the child.

Resource Parents’ duties include transporting children to visits with family members, coordinating medical appointments, ensuring school attendance and academic success, and addressing the specific needs of the child. This involves working with Social Workers, birth parents, the court, and other agencies.

Who Can Become a Resource Parent?

Steps to Becoming a Resource Parent

Before placing a child in your home, federal and state law require that you become an approved Resource Parent. Becoming a Resource Parent takes time and determination. The requirements are intended to ensure Resource Parents are equipped to meet the challenges of caring for children in the foster care system. These are the steps:

Attend an RFA orientation meeting
Complete application forms
Fingerprint all persons in the household age 18 and over
Pass a thorough background check (all adults and frequent visitors 18 and older)
Complete 12 hours of RFA Pre-Service Training
Participate in a safety home inspection
Complete First Aid and CPR certification
Provide a Health Report including a TB test result
Submit DMV Report

Resources

Become a Resource Parent today

If you are interested in becoming a Resource Parent, please attend a Resource Family Approval (RFA) Orientation. At the Orientation, you will be provided with an RFA application, other RFA forms, and an invitation to attend the RFA Pre-Service Training. Please call (559) 675-5815 or email DSSFosterCare@maderacounty.com for more information.

**For more information on RFA Orientations and Pre-Service trainings, please call (559) 675-5815 or email DSSFosterCare@maderacounty.com

The Madera County Department of Social Services RFA Team would be more than happy to present the need for Resources Families to your organization or event. Please call (559) 675-5815 or email DSSFosterCare@maderacounty.com for more information.