FOSTER CARE INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION
All persons living in the home over 18 years of age must submit to a criminal record background check which includes a Child Abuse Index Check and DMV records check. This is done through the fingerprinting process. Fingerprinting is done through a “Live Scan Service” which is completed by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office.
 The Licensing Worker will give each adult in the home a form, Request for Live Scan Service, which must be taken to the Sheriff’s Office within fourteen (14) days and the completed copy returned by you to the Licensing Worker. You must provide your Social Security Card and Driver’s License or picture identification. The total cost for each person is $53.00, which must be paid by check or money order and payable to the Sheriff’s Department. The telephone number for fingerprinting is (559) 582-3211 ext. 4362. Fingerprinting is done without an appointment on Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. If Monday and Friday is not convenient for you, call the above number to schedule an appointment anytime between Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Failure to be fingerprinted within the fourteen days will result in a withdrawal of your application for a foster care license.
The Licensing Worker will give you an application packet of forms to be completed at home. The worker will try to meet with you in person to explain the forms, which is helpful when you fill them out. The packet includes a Health Questionnaire, which must be completed by your doctor. You are also required to provide proof of a negative TB test, which has been done within the past year. The TB results are required for all persons over 18 years. You are to complete the packet of forms and return them to the Licensing Worker within 30 days. The entire packet of forms must be turned in together. If you only turn in part of the packet, they will be returned to you and you will be given 7 days to return them with the rest of the forms.
Foster parents are also required to have CPR and First Aid training before foster children can be placed in your home. The Licensing Worker can provide you with more information about where to get the training.
New foster parents are also required to complete 12 hours of preplacement training before foster children can be placed in the home. The Licensing Worker will discuss the training with you, as it will begin as soon as you turn in your packet of forms. Once licensed, foster parents must complete 20 hours of training per a 12-month period of time.
Foster parents must have income to meet their own family’s needs. Foster care is not income producing. The money you receive is for the foster children.
If you have a swimming pool, pond, spa, or other bodies of water on your property, please discuss this with the Licensing Worker, as these areas must be fenced if you wish to have children under the age of 10 years or disabled children. The fencing must meet certain requirements.
Pets are allowed as long as they have received their shots and the pets are not harmful to childre
The Licensing Worker will do a home visit before licensing you and your home. The home visit looks for safety and space to accommodate the children. Bedroom space requires that only two children (yours and the foster children) occupy each bedroom. Foster children must have their own bed and space for their belongings.
Return to Home |
