Resource Family Approval (foster, guardianship, and adoption)

Resource Family Approval (RFA) is the process for approving families to provide foster care, legal guardianship, and adoption for youth in the child welfare and probation systems. Resource Families receive a monthly stipend when a child is placed with them to help provide for the child’s needs. Orientations are offered monthly and are facilitated by a social worker and a Resource Parent who will discuss the application process, the training and support available, and will answer questions.

• Any adult (18 or older) who is a resident of Marin County is invited to learn more about Resource Family Approval at an orientation.
• Families and caregivers who can provide temporary or permanent homes for children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
• People interested in providing foster care, legal guardianship, or adoption for youth involved with child welfare or probation services.

What you should know

• Children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds need temporary and permanent homes.
• Resource Family Approval (RFA) is the process for approving families to provide foster care, legal guardianship, and adoption of youth in the child welfare and probation systems.
• Resource Families receive a monthly stipend when a child is placed with them meant to provide for the child’s needs.
• Any adult (18 or older) who is a resident of Marin County is invited to learn more about Resource Family Approval at an orientation.
• Orientations are offered monthly and are facilitated by a social worker and a Resource Parent who will discuss the application process, the training and support available and will answer questions.

Before you start

• Think about the age range and child needs you can support.
• Ensure you have access to the internet.

Approval and training overview

• Attend an orientation to learn about the approval process.
• After you attend an orientation, the Children and Family Services team will explain how to start the application and training.
• Complete the Resource Family Training 20-hour course online via Zoom.
• The training is offered every other month, and the schedule rotates between weeknights and weekends.

Get help and contacts

• Visit: FosterOurFutureMarin.org
• Call Children and Family Services: 415-473-2200