Steps To Fostering With SAS

Sierra Adoption Services provides foster care services at its Grass Valley location. The orientation and training process is often referred to as “Exploring Adoption and Foster Care” or “EAFC”.

Attend EAFC I (3-hour orientation) - An overview of the foster care and adoption process, types of children we serve, and support services offered through Sierra Adoption Services. These meetings are held monthly in Grass Valley or can be arranged at your church, community-site or work place.

Training (EAFCII) - Eighteen hours of basic training are offered in evening and (sometimes) Saturday formats. Families examine issues around parenting skills necessary to parent special needs children.

Submit an application - You may submit an application at any point during or at the conclusion of the EAFC II series.

Foster Care Homestudy - You will be asked to provide medical, financial and employment information as well as references. Fingerprint clearances and Child Abuse Index Clearances must be obtained. We will also need Marriage and/ or divorce certificates, copies of birth certificates, driver’s license, etc.

The second part of the Homestudy Process is more detailed and personal. It includes completing Questionnaires around values, motivation, discipline and marriage/ divorce information. After these questionnaires have been completed, Home Visits by your social worker occur. his consists of individual interviews with each prospective parent and a joint interview.

Homestudy Write-up - This process ends with a written family story/assessment called the Homestudy. The homestudy process includes visits and paperwork as required by regulations. Your Social Worker will - through this Homestudy process - help you determine what type of child (or children) you can best parent, and will endeavor to place that type of child in your home.

Foster Care Certification - There are certain guidelines established by the State “Community Care Licensing” that must be followed before your home can be certified. While your homestudy is being written up, you will be contacted by the Sierra Adoption Services Certification Specialist. She is knowledgeable regarding the CCL guidelines and will work with you to assure that you and your home are in compliance with all certification requirements.

Placement - Soon children will be coming into your home. Your SAS Social Worker will assist you in settling in, and in receiving services for the child or children in your home.