Licensing

Adoptions

All children have concurrent plans. At the same time the parents are receiving reunification services, the alternative permanent plan is also formulated. The preferred plan is adoption. The adoptive family is called the concurrent Planning Family.

The Concurrent Planning Family:

Agrees to cooperate with Reunification by:

• preparing emotionally for the children to return to the natural family,
• bringing the children to the office for visits with the natural family.

Commits to adopting the children if Reunification fails.

Is screened, trained, and home studies, before a child is placed in the home.

Understands that most of the children come with special emotional and/or physical needs.

Understands that all children come from backgrounds of abuse and neglect.

Is willing to love and raise special needs children.

Early Placement in an Adoptive Home:

Maximizes the prospect of a secure home for children,

Minimizes the likelihood of multiple placements, and

Permits early bonding with the potentially adoptive family.

Should all children be placed in an Adoptive Home?

Yes, when possible. Many adoptive homes are relatives. Older children may object to being adopted, and some children may have such severe challenges that adoptive placements are not readily available.

How long after reunification fails can the family adopt the children?

Children must be in the placement a minimum of 6 months.

It must be after the 60 day Appeal period following the Court Hearing to terminate parental rights.

Any pending Appeal must be resolved.

The adoptions Social Worker must write and submit a Court Report.

The adoption is finalized in Superior Court with the adoptive parents present.

If the children have such serious challenges, how can the average person afford the extra expenses?

The Adoptions Assistance Program exists for this purpose.

Families may apply for monthly financial assistance for the child.

Medi-Cal (or the alternative Omni and Blue Cross) is also available.

Licensing Social Workers

A Licensing Social Worker III's make fire and safety inspections in the home after the potential foster parent completes licensing classes and submits all required verifications. After licensing, yearly training hours are required of foster parents to complete the annual renewal.

Foster Parent Trainer

Stanislaus County provides intensive training based on the Foster Pride model to foster parents. In addition, specialized Level III training is given to qualified foster parents willing to care for children with sever emotional challenges. Level III foster parents receive financial compensation above the basic foster care rate.