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Become a Resource Family

Each child deserves a safe and stable environment that helps them thrive. In Riverside County, approximately 3,000 children have been removed from their families because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These children need love, consistency, and commitment. They need you.

Resource Families provide a caring and supportive environment for kids who cannot live with their birth families until problems are resolved. Resource families are part of a powerful, life-changing team that works towards the goal of reunification. This team consists of social services staff, biological parents, and you. Together, we can provide safe and loving homes for every child in our county.

To begin, call 1-800-665-KIDS. Learn more below.

Smiling mother, father and young daughter posing together at home

Illustration of a row of children holding hands

For children who cannot reunite with their biological parents, foster
placement may be the first step towards adoption or guardianship.

Ready to get started?

The first step is to contact our partners at Faith in Motion to learn more, get connected with a local Foster Family Agency, and begin your resource family journey.

Get Started

Older Youth and Teens

Older youth, aged 10 and above, need foster care placements at higher rates than younger children. Teens are overrepresented in foster care and many have experienced long-term instability, multiple placements, and group homes.

In Riverside, we need more resource parents ready to accept, support, love, and nurture older youth. Teens in foster care have unique needs, including support navigating middle school and high school and getting ready for independence after foster care. You can help prepare teens for the transition to adulthood, including life skills and career readiness; it is vital to their future success. Recognizing the unique needs of these youth and ensuring they have a stable, supportive environment during their crucial teenage years can significantly improve their long-term outcomes and well-being.

FAQs

What is a Resource Family?

“Resource Family” means an individual or family that a County determines to have successfully met the application and assessment criteria necessary for providing care for a child or nonminor dependent who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department.

Who can qualify to be a Resource Family?

Any adult shall be permitted to apply for Resource Family Approval regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, actual or perceived sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, or ancestry.

What are the basic requirements to become a Resource Family?

Willingness to partner with the Agency and the child/youth’s family
Minimum age of 18
Background evaluation for all adults in the home and regularly present
Completion of pre-services training
Ability to meet State and Agency requirements
Proof of income
Home Environment Assessment
Interviews with family members
Submit an application
Completion of other tasks as need

Will I have to do training to be approved?

Yes.

What is the cost of becoming an approved Family?

The process is free; however, there may be costs on a case-by-case basis.

Questions about adoption?

The first step to adoption is to become approved as a Resource Family. Once you are approved, the expectation is that you will be available to foster, and your goal to adopt will be considered and embraced throughout the process.

What is a Resource Parent?

Any individual, couple or family who has been approved through Resource Family Approval (RFA) to foster and/or adopt a related or unrelated child(ren) under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. They care for and embrace children of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities until they are able to reunify with their families or reach permanency.

Who can I call about getting started?

Please call 1-800-665-KIDS (5437) with any questions you have about becoming a resource parent.

What are the characteristics of children in Riverside County in need of a Resource Family?

Our greatest need is for older children of different ethnic backgrounds that present with special medical, behavioral and developmental needs and sibling groups.

Is there a checklist of safety requirements for my home?

Yes. The State Home Environment checklist can assist you in preparing for you home assessment. You can view the State requirement form here.