FAQ
Your frequently asked questions answered. Click on the topic you want to learn more about below.
How do I become a certified resource family?
First attend a 2 hour orientation meeting and the 8 hour pre-certification training. A representative from our agency will do a pre-application interview, home safety check and a home study. There is paperwork to fill out, and all adults in the home must receive criminal and child abuse clearances prior to certification.
How long does it take to be certified as a resource family?
It typically takes about 3 months to become a certified recourse family. However, it depends on how long it takes to receive the criminal clearances and how quickly the applicant submits the required paperwork, attends training and appointments.
What are the requirements to becoming a resource family?
Resource Families must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live within two hours of the agency
- Pass CPR, First Aid, Health Screening and a TB test
- Have a DMV printout
- Have DOJ, CAIC and FBI clearances
Can I still work if I am a resource family?
Yes, as long as the agency approves your respite/childcare.
Do the children have medical insurance?
Medical, dental and counseling services are provided through the Medi-Cal Program.
Can I be a single parent?
Yes, as an agency, we are looking for the most qualified people who are willing to open their heart and their home to foster children, whether they are single, married or in a stable relationship.
Is my home big enough to take foster children?
The capacity rules are as follows: No more than two children of the same sex five years and older shall sleep in a bedroom which is a minimum of 10 X 10, including a dresser and closet. Children of the opposite sex may share a bedroom only if under age five. An infant under the age of 2 may share a room with an adult.
How long will it take for a child to be placed in my home?
Share Homes Agency will strive to make appropriate matches between foster parents and foster children. Some foster parents are very particular regarding the age and sex of the child. Others might be more likely to receive children sooner because of fewer restrictions as to age and sex.
Will I have a choice in the age and sex of the children I receive?
Yes, the final decision always remains with the resource family / adoptive parent. It is important that you communicate your request in order to aid us in making a successful match with your family.
Do I need to attend special training to become a resource family?
Yes, resource family applicants must attend the agency orientation and all pre-certification training which usually occur on the weekend. Current First Aid and CPR must be maintained at all times. Free monthly training are also provided in order to maintain your certification.
Is there a foster care reimbursement?
Yes, raising kids are time consuming and basic needs can get costly. Share Homes provides reimbursement rates according to the age of the foster child.
What are the Strategic Plan Goals for Share Homes?
Goal 1. To improve the completeness of the client and resource parent files.
Goal 2. Utilize and increase the use of online training tools to decrease the spread of COVID.
Goal 3. Increase quality of interpretive summary to improve service delivery.
Do I have to become a foster parent if I am only interested in adoption?
Before you can adopt a child, you must first participate as a foster parent for at least six months. Thus, you need to be certified as both a foster parent and adoptive parent. To learn more about foster care, please visit our Foster Care FAQs.
What is the difference between a foster parent and an adoptive parent?
An adoptive parent receives all the training a foster parent receives, as well as additional training in topics related to adoptions. Adoptive parents also need a higher level of fingerprint and child abuse clearances, as well as a more thorough, in-depth home study.
Is there a fee to adopt a child/children?
Some agencies charge up to $20,000 per adoption. Share Homes has no up-front fees, but after finalization we withhold a minimal home study fee (maximum $400, based on income) from your final foster care reimbursement check for which you can be reimbursed by your local government.
Is there a tax credit for adoption?
Many families receive a significant tax credit, per child, once an adoption has been finalized. Please check with your tax adviser for further information.
What are the requirements to adopt a child?
Adoptive applicants must:
- Be 21 years or older.
- Receive criminal and child abuse clearances for all adults living in the home.
- Be financially stable prior to taking foster/adoptive children.
- Pass licensing and agency regulations.
- Have a valid CDL, clean driving record, and an insured, safe, operating automobile.
- Complete orientation, pre-certification training, adoption training, paperwork and an in-depth home study.
- Live within two hours of the office.
- Be certified as a foster parent
- Be in good health, physically and emotionally.
What areas do you serve?
Share Homes serves Stockton, Lodi and Sacramento areas and communities within a two hour radius of Lodi and Elk Grove.
Who is a Supervised Visitation Provider?
There are three types of supervised visitation providers: the nonprofessional provider, the professional provider, and the therapeutic provider.
The professional and therapeutic providers usually charge a fee for services and are experienced in and trained to provide supervised visitation services. The non-professional provider is usually a family member or friend who does not provide supervised visitation services.
Your court order will usually say which type of provider you have to use to supervise these visits.
Are there training requirements for a Supervised Visitation Provider?
Yes. Professional and therapeutic providers should receive training on the topics outlined in Standard 5.20 of the California Standards of Judicial Administration.
Also, supervised visitation providers are strongly encouraged to follow the training and education requirements of the Supervised Visitation Network.
What is the job of the Supervised Visitation Provider?
The provider is there to make every effort to keep your child safe and support your child to enjoy the visit with the supervised parent. Whether a paid professional, family member or friend, the provider’s job is to make sure that the children involved in the visits are safe and free from any unnecessary stress. The provider must be present at all times during the visit, listen to what is being said, and pay close attention to the child’s behavior. If necessary, the provider may interrupt or end a visit. All providers are to report suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1 (800) 540-4000.
How do I choose a non-professional provider?
Parents will usually ask a family member or friend that cares and is concerned for the children and family to act as a nonprofessional provider. This person must speak the same language as the visiting parent and child. The parents should ask someone they feel will be impartial and comfortable in following the court order. A copy of this guide is available at the local court clerk’s office.
This guide is available in several languages. Look through this guide. It will help you choose the right person and determine if they are qualified. All providers are responsible for making every reasonable effort to assure the safety and welfare of the child and adults during the visitation, avoid any conflict of interest, maintain neutrality, and follow the terms and conditions in Standard 5.20. Prior to a family member or friend agreeing to act as a supervised visitation provider, you should give the nonprofessional guide to the person you wish to supervise the visits so they can make an informed decision.
For more resources and more information on our family services, visit our Resources page or get in touch with us directly.
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