Foster Care Agencies

I went with Oliver Crest but the process was so long that I didn't finish. I really want to foster a child as well but not sure if there is another way to do it out there. If you hear anything please let me know?
Thanks,
R.

me and my husband did fostercare for 7 yrs. we went through koinoinia fostercare agency.They are a christian agency and were very helpful.We didn't have any problems with the agency.We ended up adopting 3 of the 15 children we had in our home and they were very helpful and supportive during the adoption process.I wish you and your husband the best.....T.

Dear Christe B,

I am new to this site, but already I am finding it fulfilling several of my needs.

I am a Kinship caregiver to my 10 year old grandson. I belong to a wonderful support group that meets the first and third Wednesday of every month in Fairfield and the third Wednesday of every month in Vacaville.

We also have Foster Care meetings on Tuesday evenings for anyone contemplating being a foster parent, or already a foster care parent. If you are able to attend these meetings, you can share, get infomation and support, and a FREE meal.
If you are interested, email me and I will give you more information. I will have to find out the exact places and times your group meets.

You can attend our Resource Fair that is being held Feb.6, 9:30 to 12:30 at the Brenden Theater in Vacaville. You will also be able to find out more about foster caring. God Bless.

Hi...my name is Angie..I actually work with an agency in Tacoma called African American Resource Center. They are a private foster care agency that will even license your home. If youd like to call, their number is ###-###-####. Ask for Ginni Brazil or Greg May. HOpe that helps you. Have a great day!

Hi C. -
First of all, let me tell you how much I admire you and your husband for helping a child/children in need! It will be an amazing gift you give the child as well as yourselves...
My husband and I adopted a little girl in July of 2006. We live in CA and we were required to become Foster parents first, so we've been through the entire experience. I'm not sure if you intend to adopt a child, or just foster them. But, in our case we chose to "foster with the intent to adopt". We contacted our State Adoption Agency who had a list of foster care agencies for us. I would talk to your state adoptions worker (if you have one) to see if they may be able to recommend a certain foster agency with a good reputation. If not, visit each of the foster agencies in your area. You will be able to tell right away if you think the social workers at a facility are a good fit for you and your family. Most agencies will host an orientation for new families on a regular basis and it would be good to go to those also. Not only will you gain information about that agency, but you will find other people in your situation and you'll be able to network from there!
I could write and write and write about what a fantastic experience it is, (not that it all been easy - but the good DEFINITELY outweighs the bad) but I don't want to take all your time! I will say this...My daughters "temporary" foster mother has had 87 foster children. She prefers infants, and she keeps them until they are reunified with their birth parents, or until an adoptive placement home is found for them. She has told me how difficult it is to see the kids she has leave her home, but that she wouldn't change it for the world. It has enriched her life beyond words!
Whatever you and your husband decide, I commend you. It will change your lives forever, and only for the good. Just make sure that you and your husband are clear on what "type" of child you are willing to take in. For my family, we made the choice to foster a child with possible minor developmental delays due to drug exposure in utero. And, we did a ton of research before we made that choice. But, as long as you and your husband are on the same page, you'll find a child that fits your family. It will be easier knowing that you and your husband have agreed ahead of time on what would be too much for you or too little.
Best wishes to you and your new foster child! We'll be thinking of you!

To Find Out More About Becoming an AFS Foster or Adoptive Parent:

Telephone: (800) 300-1022

San Francisco Office
250 Executive Park Blvd, Suite 4900
San Francisco, CA 94134
phone: ###-###-####
fax: ###-###-####

Oakland Office
111 Myrtle Street, Suite 102
Oakland, CA 94607
phone: ###-###-####
fax: ###-###-####

Vallejo Office
100 Corporate Place, Suite A
Vallejo, CA 94590
phone: ###-###-####
fax: ###-###-####

Santa Rosa Office
AFS Administration
1421 Guerneville Road, Suite 218
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
phone: ###-###-####
fax: ###-###-####

AFS Marin Independent Living Program
369 Third Street, Suite D
San Rafael, CA 94901
phone: ###-###-####
fax: ###-###-####

Hello C.,

I live in Tracy and there is a foster agency on 11th street. I think it is called VRB. Here is some more information:

V B R Foster Family Agency Inc

Address: 72 W 11th St, Tracy, CA, United States

Phone: ###-###-####

SIC: Residential Care

Line of business: Residential Care Services

hi, my name is Y. my husband and I went through the dshs an took our classes through them. hope this helps
Y.

Hi C.,
My husband and have been certified thru the State of Oregon for 10 years now. We work with case workers at many different branches and we have never had a problem. Our certifier is great and has always been there for us. I like the fact that you can say no if you feel it would not be a good fit and they have always been really honest about the childs issues. Granted we only take special needs/at risk teenage boys, it's nice to have that extra information. We did all our training at the Metro Training Center right across the street from Benson High School, (by Lloyd Center)it only took 6 weeks and you can do mornings or evenings either once or up to 3 times a week to get it done faster. It's worth checking into, let me know if you have any other questions.
And God Bless you BOTH!!!

C.
I was certified to do foster care and did it for 3 yrs. I only took in teenage kids because I had enough young ones of my own. It was one of the best experiences of my life, these teens need so much love and support at this time in their life. I know you probably will go for the younger children and thats ok too. I went through TRIAD in Manteca but I think there is an office on Kettlemen Lane there in Lodi across from Mervyns. Try them.

Holt International is a great resource but I believe they help only with internatioanl adoptions but here is their website for mre info www.holtinternational.org
good luck to you

I am Foster parent and love it. I am hoping to adopt my current child. Please be advised that this can be the hardest thing you and your husband has ever undertaken. The child or children, will need all of the love and patience you have. If thier parent is in involved, they will need a lot more understanding than you could ever imgaine. I work with a county foster system. As far as private agencies, I have heard good and bad about them. Please do a lot of research and get referral from people. Good luck :)