Make a Difference; Become a Resource Parent
Every child deserves a stable, healthy, and loving home. When you become a resource parent through KYJO’s Foster Family Agency, you get the chance to:
- Welcome a vulnerable child into your family and meet their needs.
- Positively affect the child’s growth and development.
- Earn the child’s trust and truly understand them.
KYJO Foster Family Agency is a California-licensed agency that’s been placing children in caring resource homes since December 2012. We pride ourselves in equipping resource parents with the tools they need to care for the children who enter their home.
If you’re considering making a difference in a resource child’s life, contact us to schedule a free orientation. We’ll walk you through the resource parent application, approval, and placement process, as well as the services we offer our parents.
Schedule an Orientation
What Are the Minimum Requirements?
If you meet the following requirements, you could become a resource parent:
Meet the requirements?
Offer a Child Security and Stability
Resource parents (formerly foster parents) are our most valuable asset. Resource parents open their hearts and homes to KYJO’s most vulnerable children. They provide security and stability until a child can return home or find a new forever family.
Children needing placement include:
- Boys and girls
- Infants to eighteen-year-olds
- Sibling groups
- Children with behavioral needs
Of course, we won’t leave you or your resource child on your own. KYJO offers the following services for resource parents and children, to make the resource family experience as enriching as possible:
Resource Parent Services:
- Resource parent licensing, certification, and contracting
- Trauma Informed Care training
- In-service training
- Access to experienced social workers with small caseloads
- Resource parent support groups
- 24-hour, on-call crisis services
- Transportation assistance
- Housing supplies from Bed Bath & Beyond, Food Bank, Home Depot, and Disney Store
Resource Child Services:
- Weekly to bi-weekly social worker visits
- Access to experienced mental health professionals
- School support
- Family reunification support
- Holiday activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn more about becoming a resource parent?
Yes; the first step is attending a KYJO orientation. Call (559) 681-2593 to schedule an appointment with our trainer.
What are the minimum requirements for become a resource parent?
To become a resource parent, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be married or single.
- Live in a house or apartment, rented or owned.
- Have a car in good, working condition, as well as a license and insurance.
- Be able to support a child for the first 30 days of placement.
What does the application process look like?
To become a resource parent, you must:
- Attend an orientation.
- Fill out an application packet.
- Set up a home inspection.
- Receive your fingerprint clearances.
- Get a health screening and TB test.
- Attend our Trauma-Informed Care training.
- Attend our Guide to Becoming a Resource Parent training.
- Receive CPR/First Aid certification (provided by KYJO).
- Complete Water Safety training (provided by KYJO).
Why should I become a resource parent through KYJO?
At KYJO, we pride ourselves on the services we offer our resource parents, including:
- Free training for applicants and parents.
- Access to experienced social workers with small caseloads.
- 24-hour, on-call crisis services.
- Transportation assistance.
- Opportunities to participate in agency-wide activities.
Do I get paid for taking in a child?
You do not get paid, but you do receive a tax-free reimbursement. Reimbursements are to be used for your resource child’s food, clothing, toys, educational supplies, allowance, and personal hygiene items.
How do I prepare my home?
You’ll need to:
- Install or service smoke detectors (in bedrooms, near your kitchen, and in your living area) and a carbon monoxide detector.
- Purchase a first aid kit.
- Gate or otherwise control access to your swimming pool (if you have one).
How long does the approval and placement process take?
The process usually takes 2-4 months, depending on how quickly you complete your application and trainings.
Want to Learn More?
Contact us today to schedule an orientation with KYJO Trainer Sienna Curtin. During this orientation, we’ll explore the benefits of becoming a resource parent, what services are available to resource parents, and the incredible need within our community for competent, caring individuals who can make a lasting impact on kids’ lives.