How to Become Licensed or Approved

The Children’s Residential Licensing Program licenses and monitors Adoption Agencies, Foster Family Agencies and Resource Families, Group Homes, Crisis Nurseries, Runaway Youth Shelters, Small Family Homes, and Transitional Housing Placement Programs in an effort to ensure that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children who are in residential care.

In an effort to protect the population from being exploited or abused, the law requires that care providers be licensed. To obtain and maintain a license, the licensee must meet the terms and conditions contained in the law as found in the Health and Safety Code and Title 22. The licensing application process is facilitated by a three component orientation and application process. To find information on orientation schedule and registration, please click on Register for an Orientation.

Resource Family Approval

Resource Family Approval (RFA) is the foster caregiver approval process that prepares families to meet the needs of vulnerable children and non-minor dependents (NMDs) in the county child welfare and/or probations systems.

RFA is family-friendly and child-centered caregiver approval process that: 

• is streamlined and eliminates previous duplications;
• unifies approval standards for all caregivers;
• includes a comprehensive evaluation, home environment assessment, and training for all caregivers;
• prepares caregivers to meet the needs of vulnerable children and NMDs in care; 
• allows seamless transition to permanency.

The RFA and the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) support the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR).

The QPI, in partnership with caregivers, aims to redesign child welfare organizations at the local level to better recruit, support and retain quality foster caregivers who can effectively parent vulnerable children and NMDs.

The CCR aims to provide home-based placements for children in care and move children away from congregate care settings.  RFA aims to increase capacity and support for Resource Families and improve placement options for dependent children and NMDs.

All County Letter 16-10 Resource Family Approval Program

Other Resources

Licensing Laws and Regulations
Register for an Orientation
Facility Types
Licensing Fees
Forms and Publications
Mandated Reporter Training (AB 1207)
Background Check Process
CA Background Clearance Listing
LiveScan Application and Fees
TrustLine
Centralized Complaint and Information Bureau