1. What is Wayfinder Family Services?
Wayfinder is a private, nonprofit agency licensed by the State of California to provide foster care and adoption services.
2. What is a Resource Family? How do you become one?
Resource Family is a new term for a foster/adoptive family. The process, now called Resource Family Approval (RFA), includes orientation, a consultation meeting, completing the application process and documentation of compliance with state regulations.
3. Where are orientations held?
Orientations for our Northern California programs are held now held online on Zoom twice a month. We also have a Southern California program.
4. What are the advantages of being a Resource Family with Wayfinder?
We offer training through ongoing classes and parent groups and our social workers provide support services in the home. Social workers have a smaller case load compared to many other agencies and many of our staff have been resource parents themselves. Wayfinder families have access to Wayfinder’s comprehensive programs, our deep, statewide partnerships and expertise in the field.
5. Are there fees for Wayfinder’s services?
Wayfinder does not charge a fee for families in the resource family approval program. There are also no fees for adoption placement or post-placement work. There are live scan fees that are $64 per person (this fee is non-refundable). Some costs, on a varying basis, are reimbursable upon finalization of adoption (i.e., actual rolling fees for finger printing/live scans and CPR/First Aid).
6. What financial support does Wayfinder provide?
Resource families receive monthly financial support based on LOC (level of care), determined by the state, while the child is in foster care (note: Monthly Foster Care payments are contingent upon State regulated rates and subject to change without notice). This is used to cover all the child’s expenses except for medical expenses, which are covered by Medi-Cal.
If the child is adopted, families are eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) which provides financial assistance, including help with medical care, until the child is age 18.
7. What are the requirements to be a Resource Family?
The requirements are mandated by state regulations and are in place to ensure that a child will be in a safe and nurturing environment. Anyone who meets all requirements and assessments will be approved. Among other requirements, you must have adequate bed space in your home, able to show proof you are financially sound and agree to comply with all agency and state policies.
8. What is adequate bed space?
Up to four children may share a bedroom and each must have his/her own bed. Children sharing over the age of 8 must be the same gender or be siblings.
9. Do we have any choice regarding who gets placed in our home?
Definitely! The decision to place a child is a joint decision. Your family, the child, and the social worker must all feel comfortable with the placement. Usually our social worker will call you when we receive a referral for a child who is a possible match for your family. You can then ask about the child(ren) to determine your interest. If you wish to proceed, pre- placement visits are held to allow you and the child to meet, followed by plans for placement if mutually agreed upon by all. With Emergency Placements, there are no visits and may occur with less initial information on the child(ren).
10. Do we treat a foster child just like our own children?
Yes, with some exceptions. For example, state law prohibits corporal punishment being used on foster children and they also have the right to attend the church of their choice or not to attend, if they choose and in addition to other rights that are identified by State documents.
11. Can we be a resource family even if we both work?
Certainly! As with everything else, we will work with you to determine a possible match that would best fit your lifestyle, as well as what is best for the child(ren).
12. Can single persons qualify?
Yes!
13. Who are the children placed with Wayfinder resource families?
Children are referred to Wayfinder from county social service agencies throughout California. Most of these children have been removed from their birth families due to abuse or neglect. Children in our program are primarily 3 up to 18 years old. We encourage the placement of siblings within the same family. Children referred to our agency are in need of highly capable and nurturing families that can support reunification plans. This includes being able to transport the youth to supervised visits with birth family, appointments, school and other activities.
14. Is there an age limit for an applicant?
You must be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate the maturity to parent a child.
Are you ready to find out more? Fill out an interest form today!
