How to Become a Retired Foster Parent in California

California posts a need for retired foster parents on its website.

In California, thousands of children are in the foster care system, as of 2011. Foster parents, including retired individuals, provide temporary care for children who must be separated from their families for any number of reasons. As long as you meet the health, energy and other requirements, your age or current working status isn't an issue. For licensed foster parents, the state provides a monthly stipend for food, clothes and other necessities for the child. Foster parent applicants must go through a specific process, although each county in California may differ slightly in its requirements.

Instructions

1. Visit your county foster parent agency to sign up for an orientation session. You will be given the date, time and location of your orientation appointment.

2. Attend your scheduled orientation session. Take your state ID or driver's license with you. Listen to information about the foster care program and the application process. Ask any questions you have at this time. The orientation may last from three to five hours.

3. Get the application packet at the orientation session. Take it home and fill it out completely. The application is part of the licensing requirements. Mail the application back to the agency.

4. Attend your scheduled interview with a social worker. The interview appointment is mailed to you after the agency receives your completed application.

5. Fill out the forms for a criminal background check on you and all adults in the home. Everyone must pass the criminal background check to continue on with the rest of the process.

6. Prepare your home for the in-home prelicensing home evaluation using the list of requirements form given to you at the orientation. Schedule a day and time that everyone in your household is available for the county and state administrator to perform the evaluation.

7. Get a health and TB examination from your doctor. Provide proof that you've passed the examinations to your social worker.

8. Register and pass first-aid and CPR courses. Send a copy of your first-aid and CPR certification cards to your social worker.

9. Attend the child-care training course provided by the state. This last step is mandatory to complete before you can receive your foster parent license. It is a 33-hour course.

References

• California Department of Social Services: Foster Parent FAQ
• Riverside County California: Department of Public Social Services
• Adoption.com: Foster Parenting
• Riverside County California: Orientation Packet
• Orange County: Steps to Become a Licensed Foster Parent