Foster Care Services More than 3,000 children are in foster care in San Diego county. We can help.

I am part of the LGBTQ+ community. Can I become a foster parent?

We welcome anyone in the LGBTQ+ community to become a foster parent.

What are the steps to becoming a foster parent?

- Attend an Information Session (Held monthly)

- Complete all initial intake documentation

- Commit and successfully complete our specialized Foster Parent training program

Please attend one of our monthly Information Sessions to learn more.

Do you offer financial compensation?

Resource parents/families receive a stipend payment from San Diego Youth Services funded by federal, state and local sources to cover the expenses (clothes, food, diapers etc.) of providing care to a youth placed in your home.

Do I need to own a home to foster a child?

You do not need to own a home, but you must provide a safe living environment, which includes adequate number of rooms for youth in home.

Is there a limit on how many children I can foster?

We believe in a one child at a time policy, as this will ensure that we maintain a trauma informed approached and lessen the chances of parent burn out. Sibling sets will be the only exception.

How long do foster children stay in your home?

This timeline is based on a case-by-case scenario. Depending on if the youth and family are on track to reunify, placements can be short-term (1-6 months), long-term (9 months – 2 years) or they might find a forever home with their foster family.

Can we use a babysitter to care for a child in foster care?

Yes. All babysitters must obtain Live Scan clearance. You may also use prudent parenting and utilize a family member as a babysitter. It may be in the best interest to have everyone in your support system, who will be spending prolong time with your youth Live Scanned.

Can foster parents adopt a foster child?

Foster parents may adopt, but it is not always a guaranteed process. Please reach out to our Retention and Recruiting Coordinator to learn more.

What resources and support do foster parents receive to help care for a foster child?

Our team provides wraparound services to all our foster families and youth. This includes: compliance management, case management, therapy services and more. We provide both in house and referred services.

Will we find out in advance about the child that will be placed with us?

All of our foster parents/families have the option to disclose who would be a suitable placement for their family dynamic. Our RRC will discuss all placement options with you before initial visits and placement happen.

Do biological parents visit their child?

Yes, if it is court ordered biological parents and family have the right to visit their child.

Can we decline to foster a child, if we think we can not meet that child’s needs?

Yes, we want all parties to be confident in the placement of a youth and being able to meet their needs.