On January 1st, 2017 California began implementation of it’s Conntiuum of Care Reform (CCR). Under CCR, relatives and non-relatives alike will have to go through a new process to be approved as a caregiver for a child in foster care.
The new system, known as Resource Family Approval, ensures that all caregivers are held to the same standards and receive the same training, supports, services and funding. Relatives, who are critical to the success of CCR, also may encounter the greatest barriers in navigating the RFA process because most relatives begin caring for children in a moment of crisis and prior to being approved. These individuals and families are navigating the new rules and requirements while simultaneously caring for traumatized children.