Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Resource Parent?
A Resource Parent is the new term for Foster Parent that was updated in 2017 when Resource Family Approval was adopted. RFA is a new family-friendly and child-centered caregiver approval process that combines elements of the current foster parent licensing, relative approval, and approvals for adoption and guardianship processes and replaces those processes.
What are the requirements to become a Resource Family?
Families who wish to foster children not related to them must go through a state regulated licensing process administered by Human Services and regulated by California Code of Regulations and the California Health and Safety Codes. Kinship providers (relatives) are also required to go through the same process. For more information, visit the Humboldt County or Del Norte County licensing pages.
What training hours are required to become a Resource Family?
A 12-hour pre-service training called Resource Family Approval (RFA) Module 1, 2, 3 & 4 are required and offered monthly online through the FKCE program at College of the Redwoods.
Who can attend classes offered by College of the Redwoods FKCE program?
- Prospective Foster/Adoptive (Resource) parents
- Licensed County Foster/Adoptive Parents
- Foster Family Agency Foster Parents and Staff
- Kinship Caregivers, Legal Guardians (whether formal or informal)
- Social workers and other professionals who work with Foster/Adoptive Parents
- Respite caregivers who will be serving foster/adoptive parents
- Any community member
Is there a fee for these trainings?
All Foster & Kinship Care Education (FKCE) classes are provided to the community at no cost by the State of California and the federal government.
Does the FKCE program offer online courses?
All FKCE trainings are currently being held virtually through Zoom. Visit the "Class Schedule" page to register for each class you wish to attend.
Can caregivers in the same household register together?
Each caregiver must register with a separate email address, but caregivers living in the same household can watch the training together on one devise. We will verify attendance through video confirmation and signing in using the Chat box feature.
How do I get the class materials?
The class packet for Modules 1 - 4 will be mailed to you prior to the class. All other class materials can be downloaded from the "Class Materials" page. If you wish to receive a hard copy of these materials, please email kristin-chorbi@redwoods.edu.
Do I have to have a computer to view the class?
You can watch the live training from a desktop computer, laptop, iPad, tablet, or smart phone. You can also call in on a regular landline and listen to the training. We suggest you request a paper copy of the class PowerPoint so you can follow along if you unable to view the presentation.
Are there any other resources offered with the classes?
After completing a class, each household will receive one or more resource books related to the class topic to read with the children in your care. Some books are intended for further education of the caregiver.
How do I get credit for taking a class?
After completing a class, you will receive a certificate of completion via email by the end of the class. Paper certificates will also be mailed to attendees, along with the accompanied resource books. These certificates are then emailed to Humboldt and Del Norte Resource Family social workers to verify attendance.
Are CPR/First Aid classes offered in-person?
The required 3-hour CPR/First Aid class for Resource Family Approval is offered by FKCE online only every month (except July), There is no in-person option at this time. Refer to the "Class Schedule" page for day/time.
CPR/First Aid classes are also available online through the Red Cross - This class is "On Demand" (view anytime) and has a cost of $35, which is NOT reimbursed by Humboldt County DHHS. Del Norte DHHS does reimburse for this class.
Do all FKCE Classes count toward my annual renewal?
All licensed resource parents are required to complete 8 hours of annual foster care education, which fulfills the Humboldt & Del Norte County mandates. It is also mandatory to take Module 2 each year to renew your license and the other 5 hours can be accrued through any FKCE class, except CPR/First Aid.
How often do I need to re-take classes?
Once you have completed Module 1 - 4, you only need to re-take Module 2 every year for your annual renewal. The CPR/First Aid class is good for 2 years. All other classes are good for 1 year and can be re-taken at any time. All FKCE classes count toward the annual renewal (except CPR/First Aid).