Skip to main content

Foster Care

Foster Care FAQ

Man teaching boy piano

We hope the following Foster Care FAQs will help you to make your decision about becoming a Resource/Foster family at Serenity.

 If you have questions that aren’t listed below, please feel free to contact us.

  1. Who are the children?
  2. What is a "resource family"?
  3. How long will it take to become an approved resource family?
  4. Do I need my own home?
  5. Can a child share a room with the resource parents?
  6. How many children are allowed to share a room?
  7. Do I need to be married to become a resource family?
  8. Is there an age requirement or limit?
  9. What if I work full-time?
  10. Are there restrictions about owning pets?
  11. If I have a DUI, can I still foster?
  12. If I have an expunged record, am I still able to foster?
  13. Does Serenity offer the opportunity to adopt without the requirement to be foster parents?
  14. Can Serenity guarantee foster to adopt placements?
  15. What is the estimated cost of the certification process?
  16. Can I request more information?
  1. Who are the children?

    Our children are placed in foster care as a result of abuse and/or traumatic life events. Their family is in a crisis and unable to care for them. We partner with Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.

  2. What is a "resource family"?

    “Resource family” is a new term for families that care for children who have been placed in foster care or adoption through the child welfare system. This term includes all foster parents, adoptive families, legal guardians, and relative/non-related extended family members.

  3. How long will it take to become an approved resource family?

    Approval time varies depending on how efficiently families turn in their paperwork, attend trainings, and complete the home study process. Unpredictable variables may prolong the approval process. An estimated range of time is 3-5 months.

  4. Do I need my own home?

    It is not necessary to own a home. Foster parents live in apartments, condominiums, mobile homes, and single-family homes.

  5. Can a child share a room with the resource parents?

    Any child under the age of 2 years can share a room with the resource parents. After age 2, all children must be provided their own or shared room with another child.

  6. How many children are allowed to share a room?

    Two children can share a room. Exceptions can be made in order to keep siblings together. Children ages 5 or older, must share a room with a child of the same gender or gender identification.

  7. Do I need to be married to become a resource family?

    There is no marital status requirement for resource parents.

  8. Is there an age requirement or limit?

    Resource parents are required to be at least 21 years old. Exceptions will be reviewed in order to keep siblings together as long as the State required minimum age, 18, is met.

  9. What if I work full-time?

    There is no restriction on becoming a resource parent and working full-time. Many people enjoy fostering while also continuing to work a full-time job. If resource parents work outside the home, then arranging a back-up babysitter who can assist you with transporting a child to visits and other appointments is required.

  10. Are there restrictions about owning pets?

    Pets can be a wonderful part of a family and a joyful part of childhood. Pets must be safe and child friendly.

  11. If I have a DUI, can I still foster?

    A DUI within the last 10 years disqualifies you from fostering. After 10 years, a DUI is no longer a hindrance in becoming a foster parent.

  12. If I have an expunged record, am I still able to foster?

    Criminal record clearance depends on what shows in the Live Scan fingerprint record. Serenity cannot know what a record will show until the State and FBI send the results.

  13. Does Serenity offer the opportunity to adopt without the requirement to be foster parents?

    No, Serenity does not provide children to be adopted through private adoptions, but can provide private adoption home studies.

  14. Can Serenity guarantee foster to adopt placements?

    Every child and case is unique. The court aims to do what is in the best interest of the child, with family reunification being the primary goal. Serenity does not have control over a child’s adoptability.

  15. What is the estimated cost of the certification process?

    -Live Scan fingerprinting: estimated $90 per person, required for anyone in the home 18 years and over

    -Adult and Infant CPR and First Aid certification: Price varies per location, must be taken in person, not online

    -If you have a pool, a Water Safety class is required: estimated cost of $30 per person

    -Driver’s record from DMV: estimated cost of $5 per person

  16. Can I request more information?

    Yes! Please use the form below to send us your questions or request more information.

Contact Us To Learn More!
Prefix
First Name *
Last Name *
MENU CLOSE