Resource Family Approval (RFA)

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 and replaces those processes. The RFA:

• Is streamlined: Eliminates duplication of existing processes.
• Unifies approval standards for all caregivers regardless of the child’s case plan
• Includes a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, home environment check and training for all families, including relatives.
• Prepares families to better meet the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system.
• Allows seamless transition to permanency.

How to become a Resource Family in El Dorado County

An Agency Approval is required to operate a Resource Family Home in El Dorado County. Contact the El Dorado County RFA Unit at (530) 642-7159 to start the process. RFA parents must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a Resource Family Application (please call us and we can mail an application to you). 
2. Attend a pre-approval training series. The training is free and provided in collaboration with the Folsom Lake College Foster Kinship Care Education Program. Classes are held at the Health and Human Services Agency in Placerville or in South Lake Tahoe at Lake Tahoe Community College. Childcare is available as needed. For information about training, please contact Dana McKnight in South Lake Tahoe at (530) 541-4660 x528 or Juline Aguilar in Placerville at (530) 642-5659.
3. Become First Aid and CPR certified.
4. Be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check (no felonies).
5. Pass a health screening and TB screening.
6. A home visit by a social worker will also be required to confirm the home meets RFA standards.
7. Participate in the completion of a psychosocial assessment.