Did you Know?

• There are 510,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, 129,000 of those children are available for adoption.
• In California there are 68,000 children/youth in the foster care system. In Sacramento County there are approximately 4,000 children/youth in the foster care system.
• Many children can spend five years or more in the foster care system before they are adopted.
• Sierra is committed to best practices in child welfare and seeks to keep children in the neighborhood they are removed from to maintain connections to community, schools and friends.
• Children in foster care experience multiple losses due to frequent moves and instability. Sierra is committed to helping children find permanency and Concurrent Planning (Resource) Families are an important partner in meeting that goal.

QUESTIONS

What are the requirements for being a foster parent?

• You can be married or single
• Age 21 to 60 +
• Rent or own your home or apartment
• You already have children or have none
• You are financially stable, you don’t have to have a high income
• You have a disability or not
• You have a traditional lifestyle or non-traditional lifestyle
• You have the ability to parent a child

What does it cost?
There is a cost for fingerprints, typically around $90, and costs for CPR and First Aid classes. Once you have completed the certification and home study process, you will receive a monthly stipend for the child(ren) placed in your home. Most agencies charge no fees for the adoption of children in foster care. Aid to Adoptive Parents (AAP) subsidies are usually available to help with the cost of raising the child(ren).

How long does the process take?
Depends, once your paperwork and classes have been completed, your certification and home study process can take 3-4 months.

What is a home study?
A home study is an important requirement of the foster care and adoption process. A masters level or equivalent social worker will meet with your family to provide information about the process and other important background information. The social worker then prepares a written family profile, with background history, current relationships and functioning, experience with children and parenting as well as other pertinent information. Sierra’s approach is strengths based and intended to educate families on adoption and the impact on children and families.

What does the paperwork entail?
There are two required packets for families to complete. The first packet is part of information gathering. You will submit copies of tax returns, birth certificates, employment verification and other documents required by state regulations. The second packet is the personal profile where you complete an autobiography and adoption questionnaire. This is a process of self discovery and a Sierra social worker will help you explore your full potential as a foster and/or adoptive parent.