Requirements   PRIDE Training   Approval Process   Attend Orientation   Resources   Transitional Housing

About the Children
Can I choose the child's ethnicity, gender, and age?
You can specify the ethnicity, age, and gender that you feel comfortable with as part of your family. There is a greater need for families to foster children of color and older children. Therefore, these children will be able to join your family sooner. ​

​Where do the children come from?
A Better Way partners with several counties to place children for either temporary care or adoption. We serve children and families in the counties of: Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, San Mateo, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Napa.​
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​Can a child in foster care be adopted?
Yes. When reunification with birth family is not possible, permanence for foster children is sought through foster-to-adoption. The first priority for adoption is given to the foster parents with whom the child lives. Our foster families are approved for both foster care and adoption so transitions can happen seamlessly. ​

Will the birth family be visiting or calling?
​The Children’s Dependency Court sets the terms for visitation with family. The amount of visitation between children and their birth families will vary.
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If you adopt a child through foster-to-adoption, visitation with biological family is determined by you. However, to the extent that it is in the best interest of the child, we recommend maintaining connection.

About The Approval Process​
How long does the process take?
It usually takes three to six months to be approved and ready to foster a child. This depends on how quickly you submit your paperwork, complete your criminal clearances, and complete home study interviews with our staff.

​Your preferences impact how quickly a child will be placed with you. The more open you are to older children, sibling groups, and different ethnicities - the faster you can be matched.​

Do I need special training?
You must complete training to gain certification with any Foster Family Agency. A Better Way training is provided at no cost and includes 27 hours (15 in-person and 12 online) of foster parent training in the respected PRIDE model. In-person training takes place on Saturdays. ​

You must also become CPR & First Aid certified; you are responsible for the monetary cost of this requirement.

​About You And Your Home
How many children can I foster/adopt in my home?
The maximum number of children allowed in one home is six, including any biological or other children already in the home.
How many children may sleep in one bedroom?
Two children of the same sex may share a room at any age.
Exceptions are:
1) Children of the opposite sex who are under the age of 8 can share a room
2) A teenage mother with her own child can share a room.
​​3) Children under the age of 2 can be in the same bedroom as parents.

About Cost & Resources
How much does it cost to foster/adopt?
Pre-approval training, home study, and matching services are provided at no cost. Prospective foster parents must pay for fingerprinting of all adults in your home, each applicant’s CPR/First Aid certification, Health Screen/TB test, DMV record printout, and copies of marriage, divorce and military documents. The cost of these items is typically between $200 and $300.

What resources are available to my foster/adopted child?
​Foster and adoptive parents receive a tax-free, monthly reimbursement per child. The amount is determined by the state.

Additionally, each foster/adoptive child is eligible for full scope Medi-Cal and can access free medical, dental, and some mental health care.

If a child age 0-5 years is placed with you, you are entitled to Women, Infant and Children (WIC) benefits.​

What if I need help or have an emergency?
Our agency has 24/7 on-call social workers for emergencies.

Click Here to learn more at Orientation