A Parent's Guide To The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Process In California

Becoming a foster or adoptive parent in California starts with one key step — getting approved. The Resource Family Approval (RFA) process in California is the state’s unified pathway for anyone who wants to open their home to a child in need. Here’s what you need to know before you get started. 

What Is the Resource Family Approval (RFA) Process in California? 

California’s RFA process replaced the old system of separate approvals for foster and adoptive parents. Now there’s one streamlined procedure that applies to everyone, whether you want to foster, adopt or care for a relative’s child. 

The goal is to make sure every child placed in a home is going somewhere safe, stable and prepared. It’s run through your county’s child welfare agency or a licensed foster family agency working in partnership with the county. 

Who Can Apply to Become a Resource Family? 

Most people are surprised by how open the eligibility criteria are. You don’t need your own home or be married. You can be a single renter and still be approved. You do need to be at least 18, live in California and have enough space in your residence to accommodate a child comfortably. 

Everyone in your household will go through background checks. Beyond that, the process itself is designed to help assess your readiness rather than disqualify you up front. 

The RFA Process in California, Step by Step 

The process has six stages that build on one another, so it helps to know what’s ahead before you begin.  

1. Attend an Orientation

This is your first official step. Orientations are usually held monthly through your county’s social services agency. You’ll get a clear overview of what fostering actually involves, what the approval process looks like and what support is available to you. It’s also your chance to ask questions and decide if this is the right path for your family. 

2. Complete Your Preapproval Training

Before you can submit an application, you’ll need to complete several required training sessions. These include Trauma Informed Parenting (TIP), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and a Parenting With the Agency course. You’ll also need current CPR and first-aid certification covering infants, children and adults. Many counties offer CPR classes at no cost. Plan for this stage to take several weeks. 

3. Submit Your Application

Once you finish TIP training, you’ll receive login credentials to complete your application online. Paper applications are available on request. One thing to know is that you have a 60-day window from your orientation to submit. Missing that time frame means starting the orientation step again, so keep track of your timeline. 

4. Get Home Environment Assessment and Background Checks

An RFA social worker will visit your home. They’re checking that your space meets basic safety standards for a child and has working smoke detectors, secured medications and appropriate sleeping arrangements. At this stage, everyone in your household will also submit electronic fingerprints through California’s Live Scan system. The social worker will guide you through what’s needed. 

5. Conduct the Family Evaluation

This is the most personal stage of the process. Your RFA social worker will meet with you and your family to discuss your history, parenting experiences, lifestyle and strengths. They’ll also explore what types of children or age groups might be the best fit for your home. It’s worth approaching this as an honest conversation rather than an interview you need to ace. The goal is to secure a good match. 

6. Receive Approval and Placement 

Once all these steps are complete, you’ll receive your Resource Family Certificate of Approval. From there, your county or foster family agency will reach out when a child may be a good match for your home. Ongoing support is available to approved families, including monthly financial assistance, medical coverage for children in placement, respite care and access to support groups. 

Working With an Agency 

You have two routes to approval. You can either go directly through your county or go through a licensed foster family agency. Agencies can guide you through every stage of the RFA process and often provide a higher level of hands-on support once a child is placed. 

Knotts Family Agency is a premier foster care agency serving San Bernardino County. Its approach centers on what it calls a “Parent Delight” philosophy, which prioritizes keeping foster parents supported so they can focus on the children in their care. It specializes in therapeutic care and connects families with specialists, including occupational therapists and nutritionists. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still looking for answers about foster and adoptive parenting in California, you may find them here. 

How long does the RFA process take? 

Timelines vary, but in general, it takes over 90 days for full certification. The pace often depends on how quickly you move through training requirements and how soon your home assessment can be scheduled. 

Is there financial support for resource families in California? 

Approved resource families receive a monthly rate to help cover the costs of caring for a child. Children placed in foster care also receive Medi-Cal coverage. Additional support varies by county and placement type. 

What’s the difference between fostering through a county and through a foster family agency? 

Both paths lead to the same RFA approval. The difference is in the support you receive. Agencies like Knotts Family Agency typically offer more direct ongoing contact, specialized resources and wraparound services that county workers alone may not have the capacity to provide. 

Home Is Where the Start Is

The RFA process asks a lot of you, including time, patience, paperwork and a fair bit of honest self-reflection. However, the steps exist for good reason, and most families who go through them say the preparation made them better caregivers. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. You just need to show up and know that a child somewhere in California is waiting for exactly what you can offer.