Foster Homes for Dependent Children

The agency provides foster care and adoption services for children age birth to 17 years old, including those with disabilities, in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Services include foster parent/family recruitment, foster care for dependent children, foster home placement and independent living for older youth. Specialized services include multidimensional treatment; specialized care for children with developmental delays, special health care needs, or extreme behavioral issues; and supervised living for older youth. The LGBTQ Network program specializes in working with gay or questioning youth. Children must be placed through DCFS. Age restrictions apply; there are no geographic restrictions.

A social worker is assigned to each individual child and provides case management and support services as needed; special support is also available for foster parents. Children, foster parents, and birth parents receive individual, group, and family counseling.

Multidimensional treatment includes placement of children with extreme behavioral issues in special treatment foster homes for 12-15 months. Children are then assessed and moved to longer term foster families. Adoption services are available for placement of foster children whose biological parents have relinquished their parental rights.

The Independent Futures Program provides support and assistance for children who are emancipating out of foster care and transitioning into independent living. Assistance may be provided for tuition and books and living expenses. Funds may also be available to allow the youth to remain with the foster family after state funding has ended.

The agency recruits, trains, and certifies foster parents of all ages. Individuals must be U.S. citizens or legal residents age 21 and older, demonstrate financial stability, and have a safe home environment.