Family and Children’s Services

What is a Resource Family

There is a new classification for all caregivers. Resource Family now includes relative and near-kin caregivers or recruited families providing safety, stability and life-long connections for children in the child welfare system. All Resource Families must successfully meet approval standards through the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process. Upon approval, a Resource Family is considered to be approved for providing foster care, becoming a legal guardianship or adopting a child without going through additional processes.

Why you should become a Resource Family

Kids need you

Over 400 children in Monterey County are in foster care. These children need a loving and nurturing family to help them heal, grow and thrive in life.

Become an important part of a child’s life

Opening your heart and home to a foster child can be an amazingly rewarding experience. You can make a difference in a child’s life and create positive change in your community.

Rewarding

Opening your heart to a foster child can be an amazingly rewarding experience. You can make a difference in a child’s life.

Find out more

Whether you are interested in becoming a Resource Family or supporting our families and children in other ways, the place to start is by attending orientation. This informational meeting is held in English and Spanish via Zoom every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm-8:30pm. If you would like to attend orientation, please call (831) 755-4475 or email RFA@co.monterey.ca.us.

How to become a resource family if you live in Monterey County

Attend Orientation
Complete pre-approval training and CPR
Submit the application and collect supporting documents
Pass background checks
Complete a home inspection
Participate in a family evaluation with a social worker (2-4 home visits)
Get approved

Are there other agencies in our community that recruit Resource Families?

Yes, you can become a Resource Family by working with either private or public agencies. We partner with other agencies in our community to help you find the right program for you. It is our belief that no one program fits every family. Joint recruitment efforts allow us to work towards a common goal of matching children with the most suitable family. The following is a list of local Foster Family Agencies that support our children. Please contact them directly if you require more information on how you can become a Resource Family through a private Foster family Agency.

Aspiranet
1127 Baldwin Street
Suite B
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 755-7870

Kinship Center, Seneca Family of Agencies
124 River Road
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 455-9965

How to become a resource family if you do not live in Monterey County

If you live outside of Monterey County, you’ll need to contact the Department of Social Services in your county to learn about next steps specific to your county.

How will I be supported as a Resource Family?

Monterey County provides a financial support as well as medical, mental health and educational support for the children in your care. We’ll be there to educate, support and guide you every step of the way.

Who can qualify to be a Resource Family?

Monterey County encourages heterosexual couples, same sex couples and single individuals to apply to be a Resource Family. Relatives and near-kin are also identified and invited to apply. All Resource Families must successfully meet approval standards.

Will I have to do training to be approved?

Yes. A 12-hour Pre-Approval training is required for all potential Resource Families. Your spouse or domestic partner would also be required to attend. Classes are held a variety of days/times including weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays. CPR and First Aid is also required. Additional post-training from the Professional Development Series is provided year-round and Resource Families are encouraged to attend. A minimum of 8 hours of training is required annually for each applicant to increase current knowledge and growth as a care provider and maintain your status as a Resource Family.

How many children can I have in my home?

You can have a maximum of 6 children, including your own biological children or other minors living in the home. Additional limitations may apply if providing care for children with high medical needs. Resource Family Approval does not guarantee placement of a child in your home.