How to Become a Foster Parent in California
Becoming a foster parent is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in a child’s life. In California, thousands of children enter the foster care system each year due to neglect, abuse, or the inability of their families to provide safe care. These children need stability, love, and guidance — and foster parents step in to provide it.
If you’ve ever wondered how to become a foster parent in California, this guide will walk you through the process and show you how organizations like the Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation support families every step of the way.
Why Foster in California?
California has one of the largest foster care populations in the United States. On any given day, tens of thousands of children are in need of safe, nurturing homes. By choosing to foster, you:
Provide stability to children facing uncertainty.
Help a child heal from past trauma with love and patience.
Make a lasting impact on your community.
Gain the joy of seeing a child thrive under your care.
Fostering is not just about providing shelter — it’s about offering belonging, safety, and hope.
Requirements to Become a Foster Parent in California
The process may sound daunting, but California welcomes foster parents from all walks of life. To qualify, you must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Pass a background check and fingerprinting.
Complete a home study to ensure a safe environment.
Attend mandatory foster parent training (covering trauma-informed care, child development, and legal responsibilities).
Demonstrate the financial and emotional stability to support a child.
You don’t have to be married, wealthy, or a homeowner. What matters most is your ability to provide love, stability, and commitment.
The Step-by-Step Process
Here’s what the journey typically looks like:
1. Contact an Agency
Reach out to a local foster family agency or county office to express your interest. Organizations like ours can guide you in getting started.
2. Orientation
Attend an orientation meeting to learn about the responsibilities, expectations, and rewards of fostering.
3. Application
Complete an application with information about your household, lifestyle, and motivation to foster.
4. Home Study
A social worker will visit your home, interview your family, and ensure your environment is safe and welcoming.
5. Training
Participate in required training sessions to prepare for the realities of foster care, including managing trauma and building resilience in children.
6. Approval
Once approved, you will be matched with a child who needs care. In many cases, placements can happen quickly after approval.
Types of Foster Care in California
Foster care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Families can choose the path that best fits their capacity and comfort level:
Traditional foster care – Providing a safe and stable home for children until they can reunite with their families.
Respite care – Short-term placements that give primary caregivers a break.
Emergency care – Immediate placement for children in urgent need of safety.
Fost-Adopt – Families who are open to fostering with the possibility of adopting a child if reunification is not possible.
Each option is valuable and plays a critical role in the foster system.
Support for Foster Parents
The journey of fostering can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At the Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation, we provide:
Mentorship from experienced foster parents.
Financial stipends and resources for children’s needs.
Community support networks that reduce isolation.
Access to our Programs designed to strengthen families.
Practical items through our Foster Family Wish List.
When you foster, you gain not only a child but also a community that walks with you.
Why Now Is the Time
California’s foster care system needs more families than ever. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. By opening your home, you become the difference between uncertainty and stability, between fear and hope.
Conclusion
Becoming a foster parent in California is a journey of love, patience, and commitment. While the process involves training and preparation, the rewards are immeasurable. You have the power to change a child’s life forever — and in the process, your life will be transformed as well.
At the Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you are ready to apply, curious about Programs, or looking to support in other ways through Donations or our Get Involved opportunities, you are part of the solution.
