Foster care resources

Please note: The foster care system has replaced the term “foster family” with “resource family” and now refers to the foster care application process as the “resource family approval (RFA) process.”

Disclaimer: The resources listed on this page are provided as a community service. The San Francisco Human Services Agency neither endorses or sponsors services that are not provided by the Agency or our community partners

Resource Family Guide

Education services for foster children

COVID-related resources of the San Francisco Unified School District:

Behavior focused: Shoestrings is a new SFUSD program that helps kids ages 3.5 to 5 regulate and understand their emotions in order to avert an “emotional disturbance” designation, a Special Education category where Black children are overrepresented. Children with IEP’s are not eligible. Learn more. Contact Crystal Hawkins at Hawkinsc@sfusd.edu, (415) 401-2551.

Foster youth school district liaison: The California Department of Education requires each school district to designate a foster youth liaison who advocates for them in the district. Find your liaison.

Free online learning & technology

  • iFoster’s free, unlimited high-speed data hotspots, headsets, and laptops to assist in taking online classes. Contact iFoster at (855)-936-7837 or email phone@iFoster.org.
  • MIND Research Institute offers free access to a math instructional program for K-8 students.
  • Scholastic offers free, online learning for kids of all ages.

Special education: Golden Gate Regional Center provides in-person, one-on-one services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. Services may also include a Personal Assistant who can help guide and monitor distance learning and other activities. Email Wanda Tackett at wtackett@ggrc.org or call (415) 546-9222.

Support for Black San Franciscans: Black to the Future is a SFUSD-affiliated collaborative that supports family and youth advocacy, education, health and wellness, employment, violence prevention. Contact Chico Wells at (415) 678-7090.

Vocational training

  • Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) helps youth and adults succeed through job skills training and internships that make the right connections. Visit JVS and email ssanford@jvs.org.
  • Department of Rehabilitation Student Services provides job training and support for youth ages 16 to 21 with a 504, IEP, and disabilities. Email weisman@dor.gov or call (415) 805-1889.

Foster youth and Young adult services/information

Emergency & disaster preparedness information

Emergency planning: