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.”
Resource family approval process (RFA)
- Resource Family Training & Events Schedule
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Health Care Requirements & Forms
- State Regulations & Procedures
- Comparing Permanency Options (adoption, legal guardianship, extended foster care)
- Home Safety Checklist
Resource family support services
Education services for foster children
COVID-related resources of the San Francisco Unified School District:
- District updates: Get the latest on SFUSD distance learning, school reopenings, support for special student populations and more from COVID-19 Response Updates and Resources and COVID 19 FAQ.
- Nutrition & meals: Find out how and where to pick up Free Grab & Go Meals from SFUSD schools.
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 teens & young adult services
- Independent Living Skills Program (for foster youth ages 16-20)
- Foster care records requests: Email tonya.powell@sfgov.org
Emergency & disaster preparedness information
Emergency planning:
- Learn to make a family emergency communication plan.
- View state resources for child care emergency preparedness.
- Report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.