The Community

Do I have to complete RFA regardless of whether I want to adopt or foster?
Yes! It is a requirement of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) due to consolidated home study.

What are the requirements to enroll in a training series?
The only requirement is that at least one person from the same household attends an Orientation and gets a free Live Scan background check through DCFS. To enroll in an Orientation, the person needs to call 1-888-811-1121 or go to www.fosterlakids.com. The Orientation is approximately three hours long and held at various locations in Los Angeles County. DCFS requirements for having children placed in the home are discussed during the orientation.

Where are the training series held?
The classes are sponsored by eleven community colleges throughout Los Angeles County. Some are on campus and others are held at community-based locations.

When are the training series offered?
The classes are offered at various times and on various days. Depending on the college, classes are typically offered either twice during the week in the day or evening with each class lasting three hours, or six-hour classes on Mondays, Fridays, or Saturdays.

Who (in the household) has to attend RFA classes?
Any primary caretaker and their significant other, whether through marriage, domestic partnership, etc. need to attend the class. Should you have any questions regarding this issue contact DCFS at 1-888-811-1121.

Can one person of a parenting couple (ex: wife/live-in girlfriend) enroll in a class if the other person (ex: husband/live-in boyfriend) did not attend an Orientation?
If he/she will be on the license and did not attend an Orientation, he/she can enroll in the workshop with his/her partner, but must attend an Orientation before the training series is completed.

What if my partner or I have a criminal record?
Contact DCFS at 1-888-811-1121.

If a participant has a daycare business in his/her house, can he/she still be a Resource Parent?
Yes! However, it is important to consider that a home will only be approved for up to six children. These children include biological children, relatives, children in daycare, and children who are being fostered or adopted. Should you have any questions regarding this contact DCFS at 1-888-811-1121.