Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the children served by Walden Family Services?Foster children are no different than other children in terms of their needs, desires and hopes for the future. What makes foster children different are their experiences. Children placed in the foster care system have been abused and/or neglected by the very people responsible for their primary care, their family. Their experiences with adult caregivers and others have frequently left them with feelings of guilt, anger, suspicion and fear. These children have experienced first hand the inconsistency, instability and violence of adults incapable of providing for primary care.
Foster children are frequently traumatized by the sudden separation from all they have ever known; their family, friends, home, community and culture. The impact of abuse, neglect and traumatic separation can have a dramatic influence of their views of the world, their self-esteem and their behavior.
These are the children we serve; the rebellious youth who strikes out against a world that seems hostile and unjust; the empty child unwilling to reach out for fear of being hurt again; the lonely child whose spirit has been crippled by neglect or failure; and the depressed child desperately wanting something or someone to believe in and believe in them.
What is the role of a foster parent?
Walden parents provide a supportive, loving, stable family for children who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their birth parents. Walden parents work closely with Walden Family Services to reach the best possible outcome for their foster child(ren). This may range from preparing them for adoption or guardianship, enabling them to successfully reunify with their birth families/relatives, or perhaps caring for them until they turn 18 or are able to live independently.
Walden parents provide a supportive, loving, stable family for children who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their birth parents. Walden parents work closely with Walden Family Services to reach the best possible outcome for their foster child(ren). This may range from preparing them for adoption or guardianship, enabling them to successfully reunify with their birth families/relatives, or perhaps caring for them until they turn 18 or are able to live independently.
How do I successfully become a foster parent?
Walden Family Services is a private, non-profit Foster Family Agency, licensed by the State of California to certify foster families, with offices in San Diego, Riverside/San Bernardino and the San Fernando Valley/Northridge. Certification is accomplished by attending a (free) series of training classes, and successfully completing home inspection (home must have more than one bedroom) and background check requirements and participation in a home study with Walden staff. Additional requirements apply.
Walden Family Services is a private, non-profit Foster Family Agency, licensed by the State of California to certify foster families, with offices in San Diego, Riverside/San Bernardino and the San Fernando Valley/Northridge. Certification is accomplished by attending a (free) series of training classes, and successfully completing home inspection (home must have more than one bedroom) and background check requirements and participation in a home study with Walden staff. Additional requirements apply.
Can I afford to do this?
Yes! Walden parents receive a monthly reimbursement to feed, clothe and meet the needs of the children placed in their care. However, Walden parents are required to have sufficient income to meet their own current living expenses prior to becoming certified.
Yes! Walden parents receive a monthly reimbursement to feed, clothe and meet the needs of the children placed in their care. However, Walden parents are required to have sufficient income to meet their own current living expenses prior to becoming certified.
Can I still work?
Yes! For working parents, arrangements must be made for your foster child to be supervised while you are at work. This supplemental care can be through an individual daycare provider, after school program, or a fingerprinted individual over the age of 18, and in some instances 21.
Yes! For working parents, arrangements must be made for your foster child to be supervised while you are at work. This supplemental care can be through an individual daycare provider, after school program, or a fingerprinted individual over the age of 18, and in some instances 21.
Are there age limits for foster parents?
The minimum age for becoming a Walden parent is 21. (Due to the older children served in San Diego County, the minimum age requirement is 23). No other age requirements exist as long as your health, energy and desire are appropriate. Retired parents are very welcome.
The minimum age for becoming a Walden parent is 21. (Due to the older children served in San Diego County, the minimum age requirement is 23). No other age requirements exist as long as your health, energy and desire are appropriate. Retired parents are very welcome.
What if my foster child gets sick?
Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program.
Medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medi-Cal program.
Can I be a single parent?
Yes! Walden strives to certify the best quality parents for the children we serve, in whatever home model that entails. Walden encourages anyone with a desire to become a parent to begin the certification process. Partners/spouses must attend all training sessions and complete the certification process.
Yes! Walden strives to certify the best quality parents for the children we serve, in whatever home model that entails. Walden encourages anyone with a desire to become a parent to begin the certification process. Partners/spouses must attend all training sessions and complete the certification process.
Is my home large enough?
Until the age of five, two children of the opposite sex can share a room. Adults (18 years of age and older) may not share a room with anyone under the age of 18. Walden requires all homes to have at least two bedrooms.
Until the age of five, two children of the opposite sex can share a room. Adults (18 years of age and older) may not share a room with anyone under the age of 18. Walden requires all homes to have at least two bedrooms.
Do I have to be a home owner?
No! You can be a renter as long as the above requirements are met.
No! You can be a renter as long as the above requirements are met.
