Steps to Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent

We understand that choosing to become a foster or adoptive parent is one of the most significant decisions you will make. We want you to know that we will be with you every step of the way, helping you to feel confident in your decision and excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. The process of becoming a foster or adoptive parent may vary slightly depending on a family’s unique situation but the steps below provide an overall guideline of what you can expect.

1. Speak with one of our Family Coordinators who are here to discuss the process in more detail, review the requirements, and answer your questions.

2. Take the next step to getting involved. Some families want to meet at their local Aspiranet office to discuss fostering or adopting in more detail before registering for our parent education classes. Others are ready to begin the process by signing up for parent education classes at a nearby location.

3. Once a family has completed the parent education classes we will work with you to determine your next steps. This includes Department of Justice and Child Abuse Index background checks, DMV driving report, CPR and First Aid training, physical and TB testing, and other application forms.

4. As you work through your paperwork, the local Aspiranet office will also set up an interview to learn about your family’s unique skills and needs as a foster or adoptive parent.

5. Complete a home environment check and a psychosocial assessment to ensure that your home is compliant with applicable safety laws for foster and adoptive parents in the state of California. We have plenty of resources to prepare you for this visit ahead of time.

6. Become an approved foster or adoptive family! Once you have successfully completed the steps outlined above, your local Aspiranet office will approve your family to begin caring for children and youth who are placed in foster care. Your social worker will partner with you to determine how to best match a child with your family and provide ongoing assistance in supporting the child, or children, in your care.

Our Family Coordinators are here to answer your questions and walk you through the process so you can feel confident in your decision to move forward. Sign up for more information or call 1-877-380-4376.