Pathway to Home | Adoption & Foster Parenting

Adoption and Foster Info
In Their Own Words
Get Involved

If you are reading this web page it can only mean one thing...you are thinking about becoming an Alameda County foster or adoptive parent.

If you choose to become a foster or adoptive parent you will embark on one of the most fulfilling relationships with a child. Foster and adoptive parents provide children with loving homes and families at a time in their lives when they most need unconditional love. Foster and adoptive parents have often been referred to as society's unsung heroes; they go about transforming children's lives with no fanfaire and minimal recognition.

Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is a lifelong committment. The Alameda County Social Services Agency, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is commmitted to providing foster and adoptive parents with the resources and training needed. DCFS understands the need for comprehensive training and ongoing support for foster and adoptive parents transitioning abused and neglected children into a new home environment. DCFS provides new foster and adoptive parents with 24 total hours of training, exploring issues and topics relevant to providing safety, permanence and well-being for children and youth in foster care.

There are only 8 simple steps on the pathway to becoming a foster or adoptive parent:

You've made the decision that you want to explore becoming a foster or adoptive parent
Attend a foster or adoptive parent orientation
Complete and pass a background check
Attend an in home prospective foster or adoptive parent consultation
Attend a 1-2 hours state regulations training
Attend the PRIDE foster/adoptive parent training class
Receive a foster care license (this is the end of the process for those interested only in foster parenting)
Complete and receive an approved adoption homestudy

For additional information on foster parenting or adoption contact: Faith M. Battles, MSW Child Welfare Supervisor responsible for the recruitment, development and support of Resource Parents and Adoptive Parents in Alameda County, at 510.780.8942, or call our information hotline at 510.259.3575 for further information. You can also fill out our contact form, and someone will get back to you.