Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start to become a Foster/Adoptive Parent with the County of San Diego?

Attend a no obligation Orientation meeting. Visit https://sdcares4kids.com/ to view the Orientation schedule or call (877) 792-KIDS (5437). Registration for Orientation is not required. Meetings are available on a first come, first serve basis.

What training hours are required to become a Foster/Adoptive Parent?

12-hour Pre-Service called TIPS (Trauma Informed Pre-Service) for English and Spanish speakers
Call the (800) 200-1222 to register

What training hours are required ongoing?

Each licensed or approved Resource Parent (each person listed on the license) must complete 8 hours of approved training per year
All training on this website and in the Pink Flier qualifies as on-going training
If you take training from another source, you need to get that approved by your FHL worker

What extra adoption classes do I need?

If you will be adopting a child, your Adoption Social Worker will tell you which of the Adoption Preparation classes you should complete
Then you call (800) 200-1222 to register for those

Who can come to these classes?

Prospective Resource Parents
Licensed County Foster/Adoptive Parents
Foster Family Agency Foster Parents and Staff
Kinship Caregivers (whether formal or informal)
Social workers and other professionals who work with Foster/Adoptive Parents
Respite caregivers who will be serving foster/adoptive parents
These classes are not for the general public or generally for birth parents

How do I sign up for First Aid and CPR?

Call the number of the class monitor listed on the First Aid/CPR page and/or also found at the end of the Pink Flier
Remember, these classes are only for the people listed in the first answer
Also remember that First Aid and CPR are licensing requirements and do not count toward your annual training mandate

Is there a fee for these classes?

No, there is never a fee for any of these classes for any participants. (They are sponsored by the State of California, the Federal Government and in some cases, the County of San Diego.)

Can children come to these classes?

In general, no one under 18 years of age can attend the classes due to lack of childcare, presentation of inappropriate content for children, and liability issues. There a several classes being offered where children are invited to attend with their caregiver. These classes are clearly marked on this website and/or in the Pink Book.

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