Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties piloted California’s new Resource Family Approval Program (RFA) program between 2013 and 2014. Proponents say the new process is both more thorough and simpler to navigate.But advocates are concerned that the additional requirements of RFA may be superfluous to relative caregivers and a challenge to complete within the truncated 90-day period, thus discouraging relative caregivers from fostering grandchildren or other kin.
RFA is being rolled out statewide with funding from Assembly Bill 403 (Stone), the state’s overhaul of the child welfare system, which was signed by Governor Brown in October.The legislation will lead to the closure of many group homes, which will increase the need for qualified foster families.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/journalism-for-social-change/streamlined-foster-family-approval-process-could-leave-relative-caregivers-behind/17407
