Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the children served by Rancho Jireh Foster Homes?
Rancho Jireh serves children and teens ranging in age from five to eighteen. These children need out-of-home placement because they have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect. The county places these children in treatment level foster care because they have special needs which may include emotional or behavioral difficulties, learning disabilities, or school problems. Some children need to take medication and attend therapy; others do not. Common diagnoses include ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Attachment Disorder. Overall, these children have experienced multiple placements and suffer physically and emotionally. These children are in great need of a stable environment, acceptance, guidance, and nurturing from caring, consistent families. During the placement process, families are screened and children are carefully matched to each home. For further information, see Who Are The Children We Serve?

Is adoption possible?
Though our focus is foster care, Rancho Jireh recognizes that a family may want to adopt the child they foster. When possible we believe guardianship or adoption is a quality outcome for a child and will support either when a family is ready to make this serious commitment to a child.

How do I become a Rancho Jireh certified foster parent?
Prospective foster parents attend a series of training classes, successfully complete required paperwork, home inspection, background check requirements, and home study sessions with a Rancho Jireh staff member. For further information see How Does One Become a Foster Parent.

I can't foster parent full-time. Can I still help?
Yes. Respite families and encouragers provide much-needed support to Rancho Jireh families. Respite families are available to relieve parents for a day or a weekend at their convenience. Respite foster parents complete the Rancho Jireh training and certification process and are reimbursed for the care they provide. Encouragers are volunteers who help support families by babysitting or providing supervision in the absence of the foster parent, or assisting with transportation. The process to become an encourager is less intensive than that required for respite caregivers.

What should my housing situation be like to foster a child?
Foster family agency regulations require sufficient room for both the foster family and foster children. Children of the same sex can share a room; maximum two children to a room. Adults may not share a room with anyone under the age of 18. The room must have adequate lighting, drawer space, and closet space. Foster parents can live in a home, condominium, apartment, or mobile home, if adequate space is available. If you rent your home, you must obtain permission from the landlord to foster parent. A Rancho Jireh staff member can answer any additional questions regarding housing requirements.

How are foster parents compensated for taking foster children into their home?
Rancho Jireh requires that a family earn enough income to sufficiently provide for their financial responsibilities. This can be demonstrated by completing the budget form during the certification process. Rancho Jireh provides a monthly reimbursement check to a foster family once a child is placed in the family's home. This reimbursement is provided to meet the foster child's expenses for food, clothing, entertainment, transportation, weekly allowance, and personal needs.

I work. Can I still foster parent?
Yes! If you work, arrangements must be made for your child to be properly supervised. Some parents utilize before and after school programs or use an individual day care provider. Individuals assisting with the supervision of a foster child must be over the age of 18, and have the proper clearances from Rancho Jireh.

Is the monthly reimbursement check taxable income?The check is a reimbursement for costs associated with taking care of a foster child's needs and is not considered income for tax purposes. A foster family may not claim a foster child on their income tax forms because of this reimbursement.

Are there age limits for foster parents?
You must be 21 to become a foster parent. No other age requirements exist as long as your health, energy and desire is appropriate. Retired foster parents are also welcome.

How long does this take?
On average, it can take 2-3 months to complete the certification process. However, the time it takes to complete the certification process depends upon how quickly the foster family completes required training, forms, and tasks.

I'm single. Can I still foster a child?
Yes! Rancho Jireh certifies both single parent and married families. Rancho Jireh is looking for quality foster parents who will provide healthy, loving, and stabile environments for the children we serve. Potential homes are evaluated for stability, parenting skills, and the desire to invest in a foster child.

What if my foster child gets sick?
Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program.

I understand foster children need 24-hour supervision. What if I have an emergency or need a break?
In an emergency, you can call the 24-hour on-call worker who will assist you in making necessary arrangements. During the certification process, potential foster parents are encouraged to recruit friends or family members who will become encouragers and obtain required clearances through our agency. Rancho Jireh can also arrange for the foster child to stay with another certified Rancho Jireh family for a day or weekend.

Does Rancho Jireh accept donations?
Yes. Rancho Jireh is a state licensed (374601145) foster family agency with a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status and contributions are tax deductible. Be assured, your generous donation is utilized directly by the children and families we serve. Rancho Jireh uses donations to help sponsor foster family events and activities, provide camp and special trip scholarships, provide basic items to support teens who graduate from our program, and for foster parent appreciation programs. If you would like to make a donation to Rancho Jireh, please call (619) 692-0047.