Resource Family Approval (Formerly Foster Care Licensing)

The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Program approves Resource Families to provide placement for children, youth, and young adults (non-minor dependents from 18 to 21 years old) who are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. A Resource Family can be any individual, couple, or family who wants to provide care to related or unrelated children. The RFA Program also allows for emergency placements with relatives and non-related extended family members.

Resource Family Requirements

To become an approved Resource Family for Butte County Children's Services Division, applicants must:

• Attend an RFA Orientation
• Submit an RFA Application
• Consent to a background check and submit a LiveScan (fingerprinting required for all adults living in the home or regularly present in the home)
• Allow a home inspection to ensure the home and outdoor space meet required safety standards, and make any required corrections
• Participate in a face to face interview (required for all persons living in the home)
• Participate in a Family Evaluation
• Complete 21 hours of Pre-Approval Training, with an additional 30 hours for applicants who wish to provide care for children ages 0 to 5
• Be CPR and First Aid certified
• Complete and submit all other required paperwork/documents
• Meet all other RFA requirements

Once approved, Resource Families may be considered for Foster Care, Guardianship and Adoption placements, depending on the Resource Family's goals.

Resource Family Responsibilities

Resource Families responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing a safe and stable home for children and non-minor dependents (NMD) placed in their care
• Meeting the needs of the child and NMD placed in their care
• Keeping records regarding the children and NMD placed in their care
• Upholding the personal rights of children and NMD placed in their care
• Providing transportation to school, health related services, visits and extra-curricular activities
• Supporting reunification, when applicable
• Making required reports, such as suspected abuse, within the required timeframes
• Maintain a working relationship with Children's Services