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Resource
Family
Approval

Building Supportive Homes, Securing Brighter Tomorrows

The Resource Family Approval (RFA) program offers a comprehensive training series for potential Resource (Adoptive and Foster) Parents. Our program aims to ensure the safety and permanency of children in Los Angeles County by effectively screening, targeting, and supporting dedicated families interested in fostering and adoption.

How do I become a Resource Parent?

You must complete the following steps, in order, to become an LA County Resource Parent:

1

Attend an orientation

Attend an Orientation sponsored by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To register, please call 888-811-1121 or go to www.fosterlakids.com

2

Get a Live Scan

Upon receiving notification from DCFS, schedule your live scan and follow their instructions.

3

Enroll in training

Finally, enroll for RFA Training consisting of 12 Pre-Approval hours and 8 Pre-Placement hours. We also provide free to applicants the "Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid class". 

 

To enroll in classes please email:

​

Sophia D’Agrosa, Participant Recruiter
Email: sdagrosa@communitycollege.org

​

Para las clases en Español:
​Mina Mata, Program Director
Email: mmata@communitycollege.org

Resources

Explore our curated list of essential resources designed to support you in your role as a Resource Parent. Click on the logos below to access services and programs that provide the tools and guidance needed to create a nurturing environment for the children in your care.

Adopt US Kids

A national project that supports child welfare systems and connects children in foster care with families.

Tapestry Books

A site dedicated to assisting you in finding the perfect books on all things Adoption.

California Kids Connection

A site dedicated to providing a photolisting of current children in foster care who need support.

Child Care Resource Center

An organization dedicated to providing vast resources to parents and providers.

First5 California

An organization dedicated to supporting children prenatal through age 5 and their families.

National Foster Care Fund

An organization dedicated to supporting foster children and foster parents through assistance.

Adoptive Families

A site dedicated to "How to Adopt" and a vast "Adoption Parenting Network"

Foster Love

A site dedicated to providing Foster Care resources for foster parents and children. 

California Department of Social Services

A DCFS resources link to better understand policies and practices of child welfare programs. 

LA County Dept. of Children & Family Services

An LA County DCFS link to better understand programs and how the county can support you. 

National Foster Parent Association

An organization dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive parents through networking and education.

California Care Licensing

A link to the Community Care Licensing Division to see what support programs and resources are available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is the employer for student interns?
    As InternSource is a program of The Community College Foundation (TCCF), TCCF is the employer of record. TCCF maintains the personnel files, processes any worker’s compensation claims, and conducts any investigation into harassment or discrimination. InternSource’s experienced staff processes payroll, distributes paychecks and manages all tax-related procedures. The worksite is then able to mentor the student intern without worrying about the burden of administrative processes.
  • What types of students are available through InternSource?
    We customize our recruitment to reach students desirable for the worksite. We recruit students enrolled in a variety of academic programs at high schools and accredited colleges.
  • How does InternSource know what type of students are needed?
    Before recruitment begins, the worksite completes a recruitment request that specifies the type of student preferred, including academic studies and related experience. InternSource staff works closely with each worksite to tailor the recruitment to meet the needs of the position.
  • Diversity is a key issue with my organization. How can you help?
    InternSource encourages and supports diversity through student recruitment. If your worksite is looking to create diversity, we have suggestions to help.
  • What type of jobs can a student perform?
    We strongly encourage worksites to provide job opportunities that will enhance the student’s academic studies. Students can perform a variety of jobs including, but not limited to: program management, engineering, database management, administrative support, web design, computer programming, human resources assistance, environmental management, and so on. The job duties are directly related to the needs of the worksite.
  • How long does it take to find and place a student?
    After receiving a completed recruitment request, our staff distributes the student job announcement within 24 hours to all applicable colleges and universities within the hiring area. We also post the announcement to our web site. Worksites will typically receive resumes within two weeks.
  • How is a student selected from the applicant pool?
    InternSource offers the option of screening resumes for the worksite. However, the worksite does the interviewing since you will be working directly with the student.
  • How long may a student work?
    Student hours are determined by the needs of the worksite. However, students MUST maintain a part-time schedule overall and generally will work an average of a maximum of 25 hours per week. The typical duration of employment for student interns ranges from six to twelve months.
  • Who sets the student’s pay rate?
    The worksite sets the pay rate and InternSource charges the agreed upon indirect fee based on the set pay rate. The worksite also initiates any pay changes for active students.
  • What is the cost to the worksite?
    We charge the worksite for direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are calculated on the basis of identifiable, service-related expenditures for student internships calculated on an hourly basis.
Image by Kelly Sikkema

Our Impact

12K +

Resource Parents trained

RFA has provided Pre-Service training to over 12,000 potential Resource Parents since 1989.

Sponsors

The Resource Family Approval (RFA) program provides comprehensive training for prospective Resource Parents. Our goal is to ensure the safety and permanency of children by thoroughly screening and supporting families in Los Angeles County. We could not achieve this mission without the invaluable support and assistance of our community partners, including:

Los Angeles Mission College
Citrus College
Rio Hondo College
Los Angeles Trade-Tech
Los Angeles City College

 

Cerritos College
Long Beach City College
El Camino College
West Los Angeles College

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