What is the role of a foster parent?
Foster parents provide a supportive, loving, stable positive family for children unable to live with their birth parents. Foster parents work closely with STAR Foster Family Agency to reach the best possible outcome for their foster child(ren). This may range from preparing them for adoption, guardianship, enabling them to successfully reunify with their birth families/relatives or perhaps caring for them until they reach the self-supporting age of 18.
 
Who are the children served by STAR Foster Family Agency?
STAR foster parents open their homes and hearts to children who need out-of-home placement due to problems associated with abuse and neglect, and might be experiencing some behavioral difficulties. STAR FFA serves infants through teens from birth to 18.
 
How do I successfully become a foster parent?
STAR Foster Family Agency is a private, non-profit Foster Family Agency, licensed by the State of California to certify foster families. Certification of families is accomplished by attending a series of training classes, successfully completing home inspection and background check requirements and home visits with the STAR FFA staff.
 
How long will it take to have a foster child placed in my home?
Good Question! It really depends on the "profile" of the child you would like to have in your home. You could be presented with a child within a week of certification. The more willing you are to take older children (over the age of three), the faster you will be presented with a child.
 
What is the advantage of going through STAR Foster Family Agency?
STAR is a Foster Family Agency based on high values. Because of this, we hold high standards for our families as well as our staff. Our intensive certification process is designed to find families that will provide our children with the best possible opportunities for happy and healthy lives. We are also committed to caring for our families as if they were our own.
 
Does STAR charge a fee to be part of the foster program?
This is a commonly asked question. The answer is NO; STAR does not charge a fee. You will incur some minimal costs while going through the certification process, i.e.: vehicle inspections, health screenings, CPR/1st Aid training, etc.
 
Can I afford to do this?
Yes! Foster parents are required to have sufficient income to meet their current living expenses prior to becoming certified. Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement to feed, clothe and meet the material needs of the children placed in their care.
 
Can I still work?
Yes! For working parents, arrangements must be made for your foster child to be supervised while you are at work. Supplemental care can be through an individual daycare provider, after school program, or a fingerprinted individual over the age of 18, and in some instances 21.
 
Are there age limits for foster parents?
The minimum age for becoming a foster parent is 21. No other age requirements exist as long as your health, energy and desire are appropriate. Retired foster parents are also welcome.
 
What if my foster child gets sick?
Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program.
 
Can I be a single foster parent?
Yes! STAR FFA strives to certify the best quality foster parents for the children we serve, in whatever home model that entails. STAR FFA encourages anyone with a desire to become a foster parent to begin the certification process. Partners/spouses must attend all training sessions and complete the certification process with you.
 
Is my home large enough?
Do you have a bedroom designated for foster children? If so, then yes it’s large enough. Until the age of five, two children of the same sex can share a room. Adults (18 years of age and older) may not share a room with anyone under the age of 18.