ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
California
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator Angie Schwartz, Deputy Director |
Deputy Compact Administrator Evangeline Freathy, Compact Manager Cynthia Vatalaro, Branch Chief |
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) Samantha Marier Joena McDonald Robin Sullivan
California County ICPC Liaisons: https://aphsa.org/AAICPC/AAICPC/Resources.aspx (File is located at the bottom of the web page under “Rules, Regulations and Additional Information”) Licensed California Adoption Agencies: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/adoptions/directory-of-public-and-licensed-california-adoption-agencies CDSS ICPC internal webpage: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Foster-Care/Interstate-Compact-on-the-Placement-of-Children-ICPC |
Administrative Assistant (A-L) N/A |
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q) N/A |
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) N/A |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) N/A |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address *Please send all communication via NEICE. Group home placements (residential treatment center placements ONLY): Out-of-State Placement Policy Unit Please refer to below links for for all other placements and contact information: California County ICPC Liaisons: https://aphsa.org/AAICPC/AAICPC/Resources.aspx (File is located at the bottom of the web page under “Rules, Regulations and Additional Information”)
|
Federal Express Address N/A |
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline Child abuse and neglect allegations are referred to the appropriate California County Child and Abuse and Neglect Hotline: |
Juvenile Compact Office California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
| Mental Health Compact Office None. Responsibility for interstate transfers is delegated to the Executive Director of the individual State Hospital, the facility Director of the Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled or the local county Director of Mental Health Services |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
California permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | No |
| Independent | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
- Private Agency Adoption: Family Code section 8700, et seq. for private agency adoptions. Family Code section 8900, et seq. for private adoption agencies that provide inter-country adoption services.
- Private Attorney Adoption: An attorney is not identified as a placing agency in Family Code sections 8700, et seq. and 8900, et seq. Family Code section 8801.5 specifies that the birth parent places child in an independent adoption.
- Independent Adoption: Family Code section 8800, et seq.
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 2, Chapter 3, Subchapter 5-Agency Adoptions.
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- Other : AAP benefits may begin any time after the signing of the adoptive placement agreement and the AAP agreement. The date AAP benefits may begin is the date stated on the AAP agreement. If the adoptive parents choose to defer AAP benefits, including Medicaid, they will need to sign a deferred AAP agreement to retain the child's AAP eligibility prior to the adoption finalization.
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
- No information provided
Special Needs
California definition of "Special Needs"
Welfare and Institutions Code section 16120 (a)-(c) defines special needs. Special needs child means a child for whom all the following are true.
(a) It has been determined that the child cannot or should not be returned to the home of his or her parents, as evidenced by a petition for termination of parental rights, a court order terminating parental rights, a signed relinquishment or in the case of a tribal customary adoption, if the court has given full faith and credit to a tribal customary adoption order as provided for pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 366.26.
(b) The child has at least one of the following characteristics that is a barrier to his or her adoption:
(1) Adoptive placement without financial assistance is unlikely because of membership in a sibling group that should remain intact, or by virtue of race, ethnicity, color, language, age of three years or older, or parental background of a medical or behavioral nature that can be determined to adversely affect the development of the child.
(2) Adoptive placement without financial assistance is unlikely because the child has a mental, physical, emotional, or medical disability that has been certified by a licensed professional competent to make an assessment and operating within the scope of his or her profession. This paragraph shall also apply to children with a developmental disability as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, including those determined to require out-of-home nonmedical care as described in Section 11464 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(c) The need for adoption subsidy is evidenced by an unsuccessful search for an adoptive home to take the child without financial assistance, as documented in the case file of the prospective adoptive child. The requirement for this search shall be waived when it would be against the best interest of the child because of the existence of significant emotional ties with prospective adoptive parents while in the care of these persons as a foster child.
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in California, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
- Other
***Note these exceptions apply to all agency adoptive placements, including relative adoptive placements.
The agency shall supervise the adoptive placement for a period of six months except in any of the following circumstances:
(1) The prospective adoptive parent had an approved assessment and successfully completed the adoption of another child in California within the past five years and the placement was supervised by an agency.
(2) The prospective adoptive parent is commissioned or enlisted in the military service, or auxiliary of the United States, or is engaged in service on behalf of any governmental entity of the United States, or employed by the American Red Cross, or in any other recognized charitable or religious organization, whereas, completion of the six month supervisory period would delay completion of an adoption which the agency has determined should be completed.
(3) The child to be adopted is a foster child of the prospective adoptive parent whose foster care placement has been supervised by an agency before the signing of the adoptive placement agreement in which case the supervisory period may be shortened by one month for each full month that the child has been in foster care with the family.
(A) If the placement of a child was a voluntary foster care arrangement with no supervision by an agency, the adoptive placement shall be subject to a full six-month period of supervision that shall begin at the time the adoptive placement agreement is signed.
(4) The child to be adopted was a foster child placed with a relative or a relative of the child’s half sibling whose foster care placement has been supervised by an agency before the signing of the adoptive placement agreement in which case the supervisory period may be shortened by one month for each full month that the child has been in foster care with the relative.
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
Family Code sections 8714 (a)-(f) for public and private agency adoptions. Family Code section 8802 for independent adoptions. Family Code section 8912 for intercountry adoptions.
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
California Superior Court (Family Code section 200)
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
Family Code section 8621 provides the authority to establish regulations governing adoptions in California. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22, Subchapter 5, section 35180 for agency adoptions. CCR, Title 22, Subchapter 6 for inter-country adoptions. CCR, Title 22, Subchapter 4 for independent adoptions.
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Other : Yes, pursuant to concurrent planning it is permissible to conduct an adoption home study prior to TPR. However, the decision to complete a home study prior to TPR is ultimately made by the responsible adoption agency and may or may not be made prior to TPR.
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18 years
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- Family Code section 6501 states: An adult is an individual who is 18 years of age or older.
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Supervision
- Medicaid
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Other
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- No
Current Border Agreements with:
- None - Not Applicable
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
California requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other, specified below
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
To a complete a parent home study for a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court a criminal background and child abuse registry check may be made.
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Other, specified below
A Child Abuse Registry Check for in state or out-of-state is a name check. This check is non-fingerprint based and matches the subject’s name and other personal identifying information. A criminal record and FBI check is completed by Live Scan or other computerized technology. However, in specific pre-approved situations the Department of Justice may exempt certain individuals from the electronic submission request. The manual fingerprint card process is lengthy and should be used for hardship situations only.
Request For Exemption From Mandatory Electronic Fingerprint Submission Requirement Form: http://www.ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/pdf/bcii9004.pdf
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- State
- Local
- Other, specified below
The use of Live Scan is offered at the state and local levels. The Department of Justice provides criminal background check results and subsequent criminal record history information to the agency that licenses/certifies/approves placement. The California criminal history check incorporates both state and local/county check of criminal history information as reported to the Department of Justice. It is not a separate local/county check of criminal history information. The FBI via the Department of Justice provides an initial check only and does not provide subsequent criminal history information.
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
California requires all individuals who care for or have contact with children in out-of-home placement to have a criminal background clearance or to have received a criminal record exemption from the licensing/approval agency; a completed FBI criminal history check; a Child Abuse Central Index check; and for any prospective caregiver in the home who has lived in another state in the past five years, an out-of-state child abuse registry check.
- Foster Family Homes: Health and Safety Code section 1522
- Relative Homes and Approved Relative Homes: Welfare and Institutions Code section 361.4
- Adoptive Homes: Family Code section 8712
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
All convictions other than minor traffic violations, including misdemeanors, felonies and convictions that occurred a long time ago require an exemption. Additionally, individuals convicted of serious crimes including but not limited to a felony conviction for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, crimes against a child, including child pornography, or for a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including physical assault and battery will not be approved or licensed. A list of these crimes are contained in Health and Safety Code sections 1522 (g)A)(i), and (c).
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 48-72 hours
- Local/County: 48-72 hours
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Custody Matters - NON ICPC
(NOTE: These are private or domestic custody matters brought before the court for determination/decision)
Non-ICPC Requests - (i.e. private/domestic custody cases)
ICPC Office will not investigate a domestic or private custody matter.
- Parent vs. Parent: No
- Third Parties: No
ICPC Offices will assist with referral:
- Yes
Refer Cases To:The State ICPC office will forward a referral alleging child abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate local child welfare services agency child abuse and neglect hotline.
Custody Investigation
Private child custody matters are handled through the court with jurisdiction over family custody matters.
Definitions
California Specific Definitions
If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).
Adoption
Consistent with survey definition. Agency adoption means the adoption of a minor, other than an intercountry adoption, in which the department or a licensed adoption agency is a party to , or joins in, the adoption petition. Independent adoption means the adoption of a child in which neither the department nor an agency licensed by the department is a party to, or joins in, the adoption petition. Intercountry adoption means the adoption of a foreign-born child for whom federal law makes a special immigration visa available. Intercountry adoption includes completion of the adoption in the child's native country or completion of the adoption in this state.
Foster-Adopt
Does not apply. California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although underconcurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
Foster Care
Consistent with survey definition. Foster care means the provision of 24-hour care and supervision to a child who has been placed by a child placing agency, including county child welfare services and probation departments.
Parent
For foster care placement parent means the natural or adoptive father or mother, whether married or unmarried; or other adult fulfilling the parental role . For adoptive placements, "Parent and child relationship" means the legal relationship existing between a child and the child's natural or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. The term includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
Relative
Relative means an adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words "great,""great-great," or "grand," or the spouse of any of these persons, even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution.
A "nonrelative extended family member" is defined as any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department shall verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with the parent and child or with one or more third parties. The parties may include relatives of the child, teachers, medical professionals, clergy, neighbors, and family friends.Relative Foster Care
Pursuant to the Welfare and Institutions Code: "When the court orders removal pursuant to Section 361, the court shall order the care, custody, control, and conduct of the child to be under the supervision of the social worker who may place the child in any of the following:…..(2) the approved home of a relative (3)The approved home of a nonrelative extended family member as defined in Section 362.7 ." Relative and nonrelative extended family member-homes are approved and meet the same licensing standards as foster family homes (FC Rates). The State of California has an approval process for relative and nonrelative extended family member (NREFM) foster care placements. Approval is equivalent to a foster family home license that is issued by the CDSS, Community Care Licensing Division.
General Definitions
Adoption
is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. Adoption results in the severing of the parental responsibilities and rights of the biological parents and the placing of those responsibilities and rights onto the adoptive parents. After the finalization of an adoption, there is no legal difference between biological and adopted children.
The types of adoptions permitted by each state are governed by state law:
- Private Agency - are adoptions facilitated by a private licensed agency (i.e. domestic and international).
- Independent - are adoptions facilitated by an attorney, other intermediary, or adoption facilitator as defined by state law.
- Public - are adoptions facilitated by a public state or local agency and involve children who are in the custody of a state/local government agency.
Days
means “Calendar” (not business) days.
Foster - Adopt
is an individual who has been approved as a licensed foster parent and who has made an offer of an adoption commitment if the child becomes legally free.
Foster Care (Provider)
is any person other than a natural or adoptive parent with whom a child is in the care, custody, or guardianship of the State Child Welfare Agency and placed by said division, or with its approval for temporary or long-term care but shall not include any person with whom a child is placed for the purpose of adoption. Foster home means and includes private residences that are licensed, or specialized group homes.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
means payments to cover the cost of (and the cost of providing) food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, and reasonable travel to the child's home for visitation. In the case of institutional care, such term shall include the reasonable costs of administration and operation of such institution as are necessarily required to provide the items described in the preceding sentence.
Legal Risk Adoptions
A legal risk adoption, or a legal risk placement, is one where a prospective adoptive child is placed in your home although the child is not yet legally free to be adopted.
License/certification/approval
means approval and or certification granted by the authority of a state regulatory agency.
Live Scan
is an electronic computerized technology which digitally scans fingerprints and provides immediate transmission of fingerprint records to the Department of Justice, FBI or other authorized receiving agency.
Parent
is a biological, adoptive parent or legal guardian as determined by applicable State law and is responsible for the care, custody and control of a child or upon whom there is legal duty for such care.
Relative
is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great including grand parent or great grandparent, or as defined in your state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Relative-Foster Care
refers to a person who meets the definition of a relative as noted above and has been approved as a licensed foster parent.
Public Education Costs
California charges for public education:
- No
California charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- Other: Determination is the responsibility of the local education agency.
California charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- Other: Determination is the responsibility of the local education agency.
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
California permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in California as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
- TANF Child Only
- TANF–Family
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- Yes
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- No waiting period
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- Other: No waiting period, provided that child is otherwise eligible for California Medi-Cal benefits.
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, California will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Other: California will continue to provide Medi-Cal program benefits to a non-Title IV-E foster care child placed in a group home setting if the group home facility has been certified by California, and the rendering provider is enrolled as a California Medi-Cal provider and is able to bill Medi-Cal directly. For other placements it will vary on the child's eligibility for medical benefits in the receiving state.
As the Sending State, California will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- May be made on behalf of a child(ren) placed with a relative provided TANF eligibility requirements are met.
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- Other, please specify
Foster Care Payments
California will pay the receiving state’s foster care rate on behalf of a California child that is otherwise eligible after documentation is received from the receiving state that the home meets the receiving state’s licensing/approval standards for Title IV-E.
Special Education Payments
- Other: Determination is the responsibility of the local education
Daycare Payments
- Other
Determination is made by the local sending agency.
Kinship Program
In order for children/youth to qualify for the California KinGAP program, a guardianship must be established with a relative when either the child/youth's dependency or wardship is dismissed concurrently or subsequently to the establishment of the kinship guardianship. Consistent with federal law, California allows KinGAP payments to continue for guardians whose guardianship was established in California and who choose to live out-of-state.
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: To receive California Medi-Cal need verification that children placed in California are under Title IV-E in the sending state.
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Other
The receiving state's rate is paid on behalf of an otherwise eligible California child placed in foster family/relative homes that meet the receiving state's licensing/approval standards for Title IV-E. Additionally, the receiving state's rate is paid on behalf of an otherwise eligible California child placed in a Residential Treatment Center. The receiving state's rate is not to exceed $8974.00/month.
California foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| Basic | For foster family home and approved relative homes the rate is based on the age of the child. |
| For a description of all rates see: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/lettersnotices/entres/getinfo/acl/2009/09-45.pdf | |
| Moderate | |
| Specialized | Determined by county |
| Intense | Yes |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
California caregiver requirements include:
- Caregiver/applicant shall be an adult 18 years of age or older.
- Caregiver/applicant shall apply for a license.
- Caregiver/applicant and all other adults living in the home shall obtain a criminal record clearance and a child abuse registry clearance.
- Caregiver/applicant must be able to provide care and supervision to child(ren).
- Caregiver/applicant shall ensure that the child is accorded his or her personal rights pursuant to Welfare and Institution Code Section 16001.9 and regulations.
- Caregiver/applicant shall ensure that the child is free from corporal or unusual punishment.
- Caregiver/applicant shall be responsible for applying the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code section 362.04 and specified in Welfare and Institutions Code sections 362.05 and 727.
- Caregiver/applicant shall agree to report any accidents, injuries, or incidents that threaten to harm the physical or emotional health or safety of the child.
- Caregiver/applicant shall maintain the child’s health, education, and placement records.
- Caregiver/applicant shall ensure that persons that transport the child have a valid driver’s license and use vehicles that are in safe operating condition.
- Caregiver/applicant shall provide three nutritious meals per day, between meal snacks and other food as necessary in meeting the dietary needs of the child.
- Caregiver/applicant shall ensure that the child be entitled to participate in age and developmentally appropriate extracurricular enrichment and social activities.
- A licensed Foster Family Home may not exceed six children, two more children are allowed if the home is providing care for a sibling group. Relative approvals which meet licensing standards are child specific.
- Foster Family Home shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair; home is free of obstructions and hazards.
- Foster Family Home shall provide bedroom accommodations in the home that meet regulatory requirements.
- Foster Family Home has emergency procedures.
- Foster Family Home shall have telephone service.
- Foster Family Home storage of medicines, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, firearms, and other dangerous items are inaccessible to children, unless the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard applies.
- Foster Family Home shall have an indoor sprinkling system or functioning smoke detector in the hallway of each sleeping area.
Training (Education and Training)
- All caregiver applicants shall have the knowledge, ability, and willingness to comply with the applicable laws and regulations and attend training and professional development. Training requirements specific to licensed Foster Family Homes include but are not limited to: child development; parenting skills; complexities, demands, and special needs of children in the home; licensing and placement regulations; and existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school. Approved relative home training requirements are identified as necessary for a specific child to be placed with a relative and may include any of the above.
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
California conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
- Other
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
California designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Other: Yes, California county ICPC liaisons facilitate home studies for parent/relative/foster family home with county identified workers in the county child welfare services agency. Public agency adoption home studies are completed by county adoption agencies or the CDSS Adoption District Offices Private agency adoption home studies are completed by full service California licensed adoption agencies. Independent adoptions are completed by the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego and the CDSS Adoption District Offices.
California considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 2 years
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, California will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Other: Services that local sending agency may deem necessary. Decision to do so is made by the local California sending agency.
As the Receiving State, California will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- No
As the Receiving State, California will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will not Update or Accept
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- Yes
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, California requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
California statute requires a supplemental report to be filed with the periodic status review of a case which includes the plan for return and maintenance of the child in a safe home and what actions, if any, have been taken by the parent to correct the problem that caused the child to be made a dependent of the juvenile court.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
- A court does not have evidence before it that such parent is unfit;
- Does not seek such evidence; and
- Does not retain jurisdiction over the child after the court transfers the child.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity is established in ICPC home study request by sending state and that proof is submitted to California receiving agency.
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
Relative means an adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words "great,""great-great," or "grand," or the spouse of any of these persons, even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution
A "nonrelative extended family member" is defined as any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department shall verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with the parent and child or with one or more third parties. The parties may include relatives of the child, teachers, medical professionals, clergy, neighbors, and family friends.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity is established in ICPC home study request by sending state and that proof is submitted to California receiving agency.
California considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- Other
1st degree (Parents) 2nd degree (Grandparents, siblings) 3rd degree (Great grandparents, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces) 4th degree (Great great grandparents, great uncles and aunts, first cousins, grand nephews and nieces) 5th degree (Great grand uncles and aunts, great grand nephews and nieces, first cousins once removed)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
California performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - Complete home study requests are, on average, processed within 60 days. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks that indicate a criminal history which requires obtaining and reviewing police and court records to process an exemption request, obtaining additional information from prospective caregiver, exceptions and waivers, need for corrections to foster family homes and/or additional information from sending state.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: A criminal records check is required to complete a home study.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - This is based on limited data received in 2009 from private adoption agencies.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: A criminal records check is required to complete a home study.
California determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
California determines the date of receipt for an interstate home study as the date when the local agency or district office receives a complete home study request which includes all relevant documents necessary to initiate the home study.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Criminal Record Checks
California requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other, specified below
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
To a complete a parent home study for a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court a criminal background and child abuse registry check may be made.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 48-72 hours
- Local/County: 48-72 hours
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
California conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
- Other
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Home Study Report | y | y | y | y | |||
| Court Order | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Medical Documentation/History | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Criminal History | y | y | y | y | |||
| Criminal Background Check/Verification | y | y | y | y | |||
| Education and Training Verification | y | y | y | y | |||
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Social History/ Case Plan | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Medical plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Title IV-E Status | y | y | y | y | |||
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | y | y | y | y | y |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
California determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
California determines the date of receipt for an interstate home study as the date when the local agency or district office receives a complete home study request which includes all relevant documents necessary to initiate the home study.
California designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Other: Yes, California county ICPC liaisons facilitate home studies for parent/relative/foster family home with county identified workers in the county child welfare services agency. Public agency adoption home studies are completed by county adoption agencies or the CDSS Adoption District Offices Private agency adoption home studies are completed by full service California licensed adoption agencies. Independent adoptions are completed by the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego and the CDSS Adoption District Offices.
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, California will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Other: Services that local sending agency may deem necessary. Decision to do so is made by the local California sending agency.
Criminal Records Checks
California requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other, specified below
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
To a complete a parent home study for a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court a criminal background and child abuse registry check may be made.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - Complete home study requests are, on average, processed within 60 days. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks that indicate a criminal history which requires obtaining and reviewing police and court records to process an exemption request, obtaining additional information from prospective caregiver, exceptions and waivers, need for corrections to foster family homes and/or additional information from sending state.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: A criminal records check is required to complete a home study.
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 48-72 hours
- Local/County: 48-72 hours
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 Months : Complete applications for licensure and/or approval that do not have complications are processed within three to six months. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks, exceptions and waivers, and need for corrections to foster family homes.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- OtherThe approval of a Resource Family remains valid unless the family surrenders their approval or it is rescinded by the county. There are several times or reasons an update can be done, but it should occur at least once every 12 months. All counties are required to adhere to the Resource Family Approval Written Directives, which have the same force as regulations.
California offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAvailability varies by locality.
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
California collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- Other: Manually (By hand) and State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
California collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- Other: Manually (By hand) and State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- No
California uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
California requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
California resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
California will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
No Credit - Foster Care
No Credit
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: To receive California Medi-Cal need verification that children placed in California are under Title IV-E in the sending state.
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) licenses foster family homes for California counties that have not been delegated licensing authority. California counties that have been delegated licensing authority license foster family homes within their own county. All California counties have been delegated authority to approve relative homes as meeting licensing standards.
Terms used to authorize a resource family are as follows: "Licensed" for foster homes licensed by CCLD or a county that has been delegated licensing authority; “Approved” for counties to authorize that relative foster homes meet licensing standards. "Approved" for a home that has an approved public or private adoption agency home study.
Foster Care Placements
In order for California to pay State Foster Care on behalf of an otherwise eligible California child placed out-of-state, the sending California county must receive documentation from the receiving state that the home meets licensing/approval standards for Title IV-E.
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 Months : Complete applications for licensure and/or approval that do not have complications are processed within three to six months. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks, exceptions and waivers, and need for corrections to foster family homes.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- OtherThe approval of a Resource Family remains valid unless the family surrenders their approval or it is rescinded by the county. There are several times or reasons an update can be done, but it should occur at least once every 12 months. All counties are required to adhere to the Resource Family Approval Written Directives, which have the same force as regulations.
California offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAvailability varies by locality.
Parent Studies
California conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
- Other
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, California requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
California statute requires a supplemental report to be filed with the periodic status review of a case which includes the plan for return and maintenance of the child in a safe home and what actions, if any, have been taken by the parent to correct the problem that caused the child to be made a dependent of the juvenile court.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
- A court does not have evidence before it that such parent is unfit;
- Does not seek such evidence; and
- Does not retain jurisdiction over the child after the court transfers the child.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity is established in ICPC home study request by sending state and that proof is submitted to California receiving agency.
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
California performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - Complete home study requests are, on average, processed within 60 days. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks that indicate a criminal history which requires obtaining and reviewing police and court records to process an exemption request, obtaining additional information from prospective caregiver, exceptions and waivers, need for corrections to foster family homes and/or additional information from sending state.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: A criminal records check is required to complete a home study.
California determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
California determines the date of receipt for an interstate home study as the date when the local agency or district office receives a complete home study request which includes all relevant documents necessary to initiate the home study.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
California requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other, specified below
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
To a complete a parent home study for a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court a criminal background and child abuse registry check may be made.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 48-72 hours
- Local/County: 48-72 hours
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - Complete home study requests are, on average, processed within 60 days. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks that indicate a criminal history which requires obtaining and reviewing police and court records to process an exemption request, obtaining additional information from prospective caregiver, exceptions and waivers, need for corrections to foster family homes and/or additional information from sending state.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 Months : Complete applications for licensure and/or approval that do not have complications are processed within three to six months. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks, exceptions and waivers, and need for corrections to foster family homes.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- OtherThe approval of a Resource Family remains valid unless the family surrenders their approval or it is rescinded by the county. There are several times or reasons an update can be done, but it should occur at least once every 12 months. All counties are required to adhere to the Resource Family Approval Written Directives, which have the same force as regulations.
California offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAvailability varies by locality.
Relative Placements
California conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
- Other
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Relative means an adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words "great,""great-great," or "grand," or the spouse of any of these persons, even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution
A "nonrelative extended family member" is defined as any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department shall verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with the parent and child or with one or more third parties. The parties may include relatives of the child, teachers, medical professionals, clergy, neighbors, and family friends.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity is established in ICPC home study request by sending state and that proof is submitted to California receiving agency.
California considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- Other
1st degree (Parents) 2nd degree (Grandparents, siblings) 3rd degree (Great grandparents, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces) 4th degree (Great great grandparents, great uncles and aunts, first cousins, grand nephews and nieces) 5th degree (Great grand uncles and aunts, great grand nephews and nieces, first cousins once removed)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
California performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - Complete home study requests are, on average, processed within 60 days. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks that indicate a criminal history which requires obtaining and reviewing police and court records to process an exemption request, obtaining additional information from prospective caregiver, exceptions and waivers, need for corrections to foster family homes and/or additional information from sending state.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: A criminal records check is required to complete a home study.
California determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
California determines the date of receipt for an interstate home study as the date when the local agency or district office receives a complete home study request which includes all relevant documents necessary to initiate the home study.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
California requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other, specified below
California does not currently have a joint foster care and adoption assessment/home study process although under concurrent planning the placement agency assists licensed/approved caregivers that commit to wanting to adopt a child to complete the adoption home study process.
To a complete a parent home study for a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court a criminal background and child abuse registry check may be made.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 48-72 hours
- Local/County: 48-72 hours
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days - Complete home study requests are, on average, processed within 60 days. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks that indicate a criminal history which requires obtaining and reviewing police and court records to process an exemption request, obtaining additional information from prospective caregiver, exceptions and waivers, need for corrections to foster family homes and/or additional information from sending state.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
California requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 Months : Complete applications for licensure and/or approval that do not have complications are processed within three to six months. This process may take longer based on delays resulting from criminal background checks, exceptions and waivers, and need for corrections to foster family homes.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- OtherThe approval of a Resource Family remains valid unless the family surrenders their approval or it is rescinded by the county. There are several times or reasons an update can be done, but it should occur at least once every 12 months. All counties are required to adhere to the Resource Family Approval Written Directives, which have the same force as regulations.
California offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAvailability varies by locality.
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before California will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Other : Yes - An acceptance letter for the placement of the child from the California licensed facility.
Residential Placements
Group home means any facility of any capacity which provides 24-hour care and supervision to children in a structured environment, with such services provided at least in part by staff employed by the licensee. The care and supervision provided by a group home shall be nonmedical except as permitted by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17736(b).
Supervisory Reports
California Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
California will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Until the ICPC case is closed
California Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Quarterly
California will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- No
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Relative means an adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words "great,""great-great," or "grand," or the spouse of any of these persons, even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution
A "nonrelative extended family member" is defined as any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department shall verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with the parent and child or with one or more third parties. The parties may include relatives of the child, teachers, medical professionals, clergy, neighbors, and family friends.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity is established in ICPC home study request by sending state and that proof is submitted to California receiving agency.
California considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- Other
1st degree (Parents) 2nd degree (Grandparents, siblings) 3rd degree (Great grandparents, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces) 4th degree (Great great grandparents, great uncles and aunts, first cousins, grand nephews and nieces) 5th degree (Great grand uncles and aunts, great grand nephews and nieces, first cousins once removed)
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