 Are You Eligible to Foster a Child?
Commitment - You must be committed to providing a temporary--yet supportive and stable--family environment for children who cannot live with their birth parents (often due to parental neglect, abuse, or exploitation). In most cases, you would work with social services staff to reunite the child with the birth parents once family problems have been resolved.
Age - Age requirements are flexible as long as you are healthy and have the energy and desire to care for a child. Retired foster parents are welcome.
Residence - You do not have to own a home, but your home or rental unit must be safe and there must be enough room for all family members.
Income - Foster parents receive a monthly payment to feed, clothe, and meet the material needs of the children placed in foster care. San Mateo County also offers full medical insurance benefits for the children.
Are You Eligible to Adopt a Child?
Commitment - Adoption is a legal process that gives parental rights to adoptive parents. When you adopt a child, that child becomes a permanent family member. You are responsible for caring for and guiding that child through their growing years and giving them the love and understanding they need to help them reach their full potential as a mature and healthy adult. You do not have to be married to adopt and we welcome gay and lesbian families who may be interested in adoption. Single adults are also welcome to apply.
Age - There is not a strict age requirement. As long as you are an adult, in good health, and have the energy and desire to be a parent, age is not a decisive factor.
Residency - You do not have to own a home, but your home or rental unit must be safe and there must be enough room for all family members. In order to be a foster parent with San Mateo County you must be a resident of San Mateo County.
Income - You do not have to be rich to adopt a child, but your income must be able to provide for the basic needs of your family. The Adoption Assistance Program can also provide benefits for many of today's foster children that are eventually adopted.
The program is designed to provide financial assistance and medical insurance for special needs children who are adopted. Children eligible for adoption assistance receive a monthly stipend to help cover some of their expenses. The adoptive family is still financially responsible for meeting the adopted child's needs. If a child is eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP), they currently may receive assistance regardless of the adoptive family's income. The Adoption Assistance Program is administered through the State of California and is subject to changes made by the State Legislature.
What is the Next Step?
If you would like to learn more about foster care, adoption, or the "Fost/Adopt" program and how to apply, call 650-595-7651 and speak to a social worker.
You can also receive a packet of information in the mail by either calling 650-595-7651 or e-mailing Kristy Lamore.
Please note: Information on this web site is for reference only.
**San Mateo County has a particular need for foster homes for adolescents, siblings, and children in emergency situations.**
You're Invited
You are also invited to attend an Orientation meeting to hear more about our program and have all your questions answered. The Orientation meeting also gives you an opportunity to meet foster/adoptive parents and share their experiences.
We are sorry, but there is no childcare available. Please note that couples/partners must attend orientation together.
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