Foster Care
Sierra Vista Child & Family Services Foster Care Division offers a continuum of services for children who require out-of-home placement. We have two Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, an Intensive Services Foster Care program, and Resource Family homes that are designed to provide care and treatment to children with a variety of needs. We also complete stepparent adoptions for families in Stanislaus County.
Why Sierra Vista?
- Staff who walk alongside you through the approval process and help you navigate the foster care system.
- Consistent support after children have joined your family, including social workers who are available 24/7.
- Frequent training opportunities and support groups.
- Social events to help create positive memories and make connections with other families.
- A dedicated team who maintains an open line of communication to ensure you and the children in your home have everything you need.
- Referrals and guidance with accessing community resources.
- Connections to Sierra Vista Child & Family Services programs and services.
Foster Care & Adoption Program
- 101 Park Avenue
- Modesto CA, 95354
- p. 209-491-0872
Foster Care & Adoption
We need your help to provide loving homes for children who need safety, stability, and support. As a Resource Parent, you can provide temporary care for children until they can safely reunify with their birth families or become a forever home for children who are open for adoption.
Becoming a Resource Parent requires you to meet specific criteria to ensure you can provide a safe home for children. This commitment will give you the opportunity to change a child’s life, and Sierra Vista will be your support system as you navigate this process. We provide you with the training necessary to understand the needs of children in foster care and how to help them thrive.
Becoming a Resource Parent
Becoming a Resource Parent involves a thorough process that ensures the safety and well-being of children. These are the basic steps involved in resource family approval:
- Submit an application
- Complete a background check and receive a clearance
- Attend orientation
- Complete 12 hours of pre-approval training
- Mandated Reporter Training
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Submit required paperwork
- Have your home assessed for safety and compliance with regulations
- Meet with a social worker who will complete a home study report about your family
For more information, please visit our FAQ page or contact us.
Potential Resource Family Forms
Below are the preapproval forms that need to be completed and submitted during the process of becoming an Approved Resource Family. Please contact the Resource Family Approval Specialist as needed with questions or more information at (209)491-0872. All completed forms may be emailed to forms@sierravistacares.org.
Preapproval Forms
Resource Family Approval Checklist
Applicants can use this form to track progress in completing the necessary paperwork and tasks through the approval process.
Annual Walk-Through
Sierra Vista staff will complete this with you, but you may use this form to begin preparing your home for your Home Assessment.
Health Screening
Each Applicant must complete and submit.
Floor Plan & Emergency Plan Instructions
Instructions for creating a floor plan, identifying emergency shut-off valves, exits, etc. This must be maintained and up to date in your home to be used in the event of an emergency.
Criminal Record Statement
Each individual 18 years and older in the home needs to complete and submit.
Declaración Sobre Antecedentes Penales
Each individual 18 years and older in the home needs to complete and submit.
Employment Verification
Each Applicant must complete and submit.
Code of Ethics Policy
Each Applicant will review and submit.
Código de Ética
Each Applicant will review and submit.
Foster Youth Personal Rights
Each Applicant will review and submit.
Admission Policy and Procedures
Each Applicant will review and submit.
Procedimiento y Póliza de Admisión
Each Applicant will review and submit.
Noncorporal Punishment & Nondiscrimination Agreement
Each Applicant will sign both sections and submit.
Acuerdo de Castigos No-Corporales y Acuerdo de No-Discriminación
Each Applicant will sign both sections and submit.
Mandated Reporting Obligations
Each Applicant will sign and submit.
Obligación de Reportar Abuso
Each Applicant will sign and submit.
Foster Care & Adoption Program
Eligibility: Children ages 0-21 are referred by county child welfare agencies.
Cost: Costs are paid by the referring county.
This program is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
- 101 Park Avenue
- Modesto CA, 95354
- p. 209-491-0872
Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program
Sierra Vista Child & Family Services offers Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP) for children aged six to thirteen. Our STRTP home is situated in a family-oriented neighborhood, providing 24-hour specialized care for children facing unique challenges. Staffed by a dedicated team of professionals, including direct care staff, mental health specialists, clinicians, and psychiatric services staff, we ensure children receive tailored therapeutic interventions, counseling, medication support, and crisis intervention based on their individual needs.
STRTP supports the youth behaviorally and culturally while building upon their strengths in a safe environment. Specific goals and objectives are formulated with the child to support the successful completion of the program so the youth can return confidently to a home-based setting.
For more information about our program, please contact us at strtpinfo@sierravistacares.org.
Eligibility: Children ages 0-13 are referred through social services, adoptive assistance programs and other counties.
Cost: Costs are paid by the referring county.
This program is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program
Eligibility: Children ages 0-13 are referred through social services, adoptive assistance programs and other counties.
Cost: Costs are paid by the referring county.
This program is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
- 101 Park Avenue
- Modesto CA, 95354
- p. 209-491-0872
Current Resource Parents & Foster Youth
Being a Resource Parent can be a wonderful experience but also a big responsibility. The forms required for Resource Parents are important because they help ensure that the child’s needs are met and that the child is placed in a safe and loving home.
Frequently Used Forms For Resource Parents
Approved Resource Parents, please use the forms below. If you need assistance with completing these forms, have questions, or for more information, please contact your Sierra Vista Social Worker at 209-491-0872.
CHDP Physician Physical Report
Use this form for your child’s first doctor appointment and annual physical.
Critical Incident and Injury Report
Use this form to document all accidents, bumps, bruises, and other major incidents, including but not limited to urgent care &ER visits, self-harm, AWOL, aggression, missed medications, etc. Submit the completed form to your Sierra Vista social worker within 24 hours.
Emergency Plan for Resource Homes
This is a state form that must be completed and posted in your home.
Fire Drill Evaluation
To be completed every 6 months and kept posted in the home.
Fire Extinguisher Tracking Log
To be completed monthly and turned in to Sierra Vista social worker in December every year.
Medical Summary
To be completed at every appointment.
Monthly Progress Report
To be completed each month for each child who has joined your family. Must be turned in completely filled out and signed by the Resource Parent, youth/child, and Sierra Vista social worker.
PRN Authorization Letter
Have the youth’s physician complete this form at their first physical, so you can administer any over-the-counter medication the youth may need (i.e., Tylenol for a headache, cough medicine for cough, etc.)
Resource Parent Reapproval Questionnaire
It needs to be completed yearly to help the Sierra Vista social worker update your home study.
Smoke Detector Test and Battery Replacement Log
To be completed monthly and turned in to Sierra Vista social worker in December every year.
Resources
Cal-FURS
FURS Services Include:
- A toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for current and former foster youth and resource families
- County Mobile Response and Stabilization Teams are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- In-home de-escalation, stabilization, conflict resolution, and support services and resources
- Ongoing support services beyond the initial mobile response
- Hotline and mobile response staff trained in working with children and families who have experienced trauma
Phone Number: 833-939-3877
Website: Cal-FURS.org
E-Mail: info@cal-furs.org
Suicide & Crisis Hotline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Phone number: 988
The Trevor Project
Crisis counselors are trained to answer calls, chats, or texts from LGBTQ young people who reach out to this free, confidential, and secure 24/7 service for issues such as coming out, LGBTQ identity, depression, and suicide.
Phone number: 212-695-8650
Community Provider List
California Foster Care Ombudsperson
The California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson serves foster youth in California by investigating and resolving complaints about foster youth rights, care, placement, and services. They also provide foster care verification letters and other resources.
Phone Number: 877-846-1602
Website: www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov
E-Mail: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov
Foster Youth Education Rights
Foster Youth Personal Rights
Stanislaus County Child Protective Services Hotline
To report suspected child abuse.
Phone number: 800-558-3665
Foster Care & Adoption Program
- 101 Park Avenue
- Modesto CA, 95354
- p. 209-491-0872
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Resource Parent?
A Resource Parent is the new name for a Foster Parent, the terms are often used interchangeably. You must become an approved Resource Parent in order to foster or adopt with Sierra Vista Child & Family Services
How do I become a Resource Parent?
- Submit an application: The first step to becoming a foster or adoptive parent is to submit an application. The application process typically involves providing personal and family information, as well as details about your living situation, employment, and financial status.
- Complete a background check and receive a clearance: Foster parents and all adults in the home must pass a background checks.
- Attend orientation: Once the application and background check are complete, the prospective parent must attend an orientation session to learn more about the requirements and expectations of becoming a resource parent.
- Complete 12 hours of pre-approval training: Prospective parents must complete a pre-approval training program that typically involves 12 hours of coursework on various topics related to parenting children in foster care.
- Mandated Reporter Training: Prospective parents must also complete mandated reporter training, which teaches them how to recognize and report child abuse and neglect.
- CPR and First Aid certification: Foster and adoptive parents must have current CPR and first aid certification to ensure that they can respond to emergencies.
- Submit required paperwork: Prospective parents must submit various forms and documents, such as medical records, financial statements, and references.
- Have your home assessed for safety and compliance with regulations: A social worker will conduct a home assessment to ensure that the home is safe and complies with licensing regulations.
- Meet with a social worker who will complete a home study report about your family: A social worker will conduct a series of interviews with prospective parents and family members to assess their readiness to become foster or adoptive parents. The social worker will also complete a home study report that provides an assessment of the prospective parents’ ability to provide a safe and nurturing home for a child.
Sierra Vista provides all of the services and training listed above.
What is the difference between Sierra Vista and other agencies or the county?
Sierra Vista provides many opportunities to stay connected with your team and other resource parents. We provide ongoing training, support groups, and social and holiday events. We stay in frequent contact with you, and we have a social worker on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year to support you after hours as needed.
How long does it take to become approved as a resource parent?
It is dependent upon how quickly you complete training hours and submit the required documents.
Who can be a resource parent?
Beyond the basic qualifications, we look for applicants who have the ability, willingness, and resources to care for children who have experienced trauma. A resource parent needs to be consistent, reliable, caring, and open to learning. Resource parents must understand the importance of children’s cultural backgrounds, family connections, and any other needs due to their unique circumstances.
Do I get financial assistance?
Yes, after a child has been placed in your home you will receive a reimbursement check monthly. The amount you receive depends on the child’s level of care.
Can we have pets in the home?
Yes, pets need to be licensed and up to date with their rabies vaccines.
Do I need to own a home to foster?
No, we just need a copy of the rental agreement if you do not own a home.
Is there a cost to becoming a resource parent?
No, the entire process is free. We provide a background check, CPR certification, and training. The only cost that may arise is if you need to make modifications to your home to comply with licensing regulations, such as locks for cabinets, a first aid kit, or a pool fence.
Do I have to be married?
You can be single, in a relationship, or married. If you are not married but live with your partner, they would need to have a cleared background check and be supportive of the process.
Can I only foster/adopt?
You can foster, adopt, or be open to both, which is called being a concurrent family. It is the same process to become certified for fostering or adopting with Sierra Vista. Some families might become certified with the intention to adopt a child, while others may want to foster children temporarily while they move toward reunification with their biological parents or relatives.
Can I transfer from another foster care agency to Sierra Vista?
Yes, in most instances, this is possible.
I'm interested in making a donation to foster youth, what can I donate?
There is always a need for donations for our foster and short-term residential therapeutic program children. We ask for donated items to be in new condition.
- Ongoing needed items:
- School Supplies
- Suitcases
- Backpacks
- Scrapbooks/Photo Albums
- Insulated Water Bottles
- Pajamas
- Blankets
- Books
- Art Supplies
- Toys/Activities
- Kitchen appliances and furniture for teens moving out on their own
We also accept monetary donations and support towards our Every Child Has A Dream Scholarship.
Foster Care & Adoption Program
- 101 Park Avenue
- Modesto CA, 95354
- p. 209-491-0872