FOSTER CARE

FOSTER PARENTING

All Inner Circle families are “dually prepared” to be foster and adoptive parents. What this means is that whether your goal is to become a foster parent and/or an adoptive parent, the process is the same.

All families must complete ALL 8 parts of the certification and home study process PRIOR to the placement of a foster or fost-adopt child in your home.

Certification / Home Study Process:

1. Attend 6 Inner Circle Training Classes (Total of 18 1/2 hours of class time)
(Saturday and Weekday Evenings provided)
2. CPR/First Aid Training
3. Water Safety Training
4. Paperwork/Documentation (refer to Fost/Adopt Applicant Checklist)
5. Take-home Questionnaires
6. Interviews (Minimum of 2 – Depending on the number and ages of persons living in the home.)
7. Physical Environment Check
8. Agency Approval

Parent Training (Foster Care and Adoptions)

What will be taught during the Initial Training?

  • Introduction to the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Dependency Court system
  • Outline of the process / timeline to becoming a certified home / Child Abuse and Mandated Reporting responsibilities
  • The Legal Process; Understanding the process from initial placement to either reunification or adoption finalization
  • Complying with State Title 22 Regulations; Preparing your home to welcome a child/children
  • Discipline; Discussion of discipline techniques that are both appropriate and allowable
  • Review of Inner Circle policy and procedures, including but limited to:
    – Completing the monthly paperwork
    – Administering and documenting medications
    – Emergency protocol and reporting Special Incidents
    – Birth family visitation rules and procedures