Families Uniting Families

Families Uniting Families is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 federally and state charity exempt organization licensed by the State of California that is dedicated to preparing resource families—foster and adoptive—to care for vulnerable children who have been identified as victims of child abuse and neglect

How long does it take to become a resource (foster/adoptive) parent?

The certification process generally takes about four months. Our preparation & certification team will assist you any questions throughout the application process.

What is involved in the application process?

There is an application form, an orientation, training, CPR/First Aid, obtaining fingerprint clearances, and the completion of a home study. We are there to support along the way.

How much will it cost?

Resource parents will incur only minimal expense directly associated with the certification process. Typical expenses include fingerprinting fees and CPR and First Aid Certification.

What is the monthly rate for resource parenting?

Resource parents receive a reimbursement for providing care. The amount is determined by the age of the child. Rates run from $525 to $775. The children also generally come with an initial clothing allowance upon placement. The agency also seeks to provide payment for extra curricular activity involvement to support social and emotional development (i.e. sports, martial arts, dance, & art).

What are the ages of the children in foster care?

We serve children of all ages. Our greatest need is for teenagers and large sibling sets (three or more children).

Who are the children needing a foster home?

The children are from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All of the children have been through trauma, including abuse or neglect.

I have children of my own living in the home. Does this present a problem?

No, many of our families raise biological and foster children. It is crucial that your biological children are supportive of becoming a resource family. They really need to understand what that means. It is important that their concerns and opinions are given serious consideration.

Can my foster child share a room with my own child?

Yes, two children may share a room if they are the same sex. We would also like to attempt to maintain no more than five year difference in age between the “roommates”. Each child must have a separate bed, closet space, and dresser.

How much choice do I have regarding the placement?

You have the ultimate decision on any child being placed in your home. From the beginning of the process, we begin gathering as much information as possible regarding what child would best fit into your home. Once you are ready for a placement and once we have a child we feel may be a good match for your family, we will share as much information as possible about the child with you and address any questions you may have.

How do children arrive at Families Uniting Families?

Most children arrive via County Departments of Children and Family Services due to family issues.

Where do the children go when they leave Families Uniting Families?

Our primary goal is to reunite every child with their family. Most of our foster children return to their birth families or extended family members. The goal for those in our foster/adoption program is that they will be successfully matched with a forever family and adopted. Teens in our residential programs return home, are emancipated as independent adults, or move to a transitional housing program.

What is the average length of stay for the children?

About 12 months. However, length of stay can vary from one day until they reach the legal age of emancipation and can demonstrate an ability to care for themselves. However, they cannot stay placed beyond the age of 21 through the agency.

If Families Uniting Families receives government funding, why do you need donations?

Families Uniting Families receives about 95% of its funding in combination of county, state, and federal support. Given that the rates of all foster family agencies have not seen an increase since 1999 and that all foster family agencies in the State of California were given a mandatory rate cut that amounted to 10% in October 2009, it means that we need to raise about 25 cents for every dollar to provide the services necessary to carry our mandate. It is critical that Families Uniting Families seek additional funding in the form of cash donations (through fundraising and grants) and corporate sponsorship in order to remain responsive to the needs of children and families in our communities. If the public loses our support, it will be unable to address the needs of these children and families.

Where do my donations go?

Your contribution goes directly to work supporting local programs for Families Uniting Families youth and families. Donations are utilized to support the programs, children, and families we work with. No big CEO bonuses here.