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Issue / 16-43 / Date: / 12/21/16RESOURCE FAMILY APPROVAL (RFA) PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is RFA?
Resource Family Approval (RFA) is a new family friendly, child-centered, caregiver approval process that combines elements of the current foster parent licensing, relative approval and approvals for adoption and guardianship and replaces those processes.
The benefits of RFA include:
· A streamlined approval process which eliminates the duplication of separate existing processes such as ASFA and adoption home studies
· Unifies approval standards for all caregivers, regardless of the child’s case plan
· Prepares families to better meet the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system
· Allows seamless transition to permanency
All California counties and Foster Family Agencies (FFA) are required to implement the RFA Program by January 1, 2017, and starting that date all new caregivers must complete the RFA Process to be approved for the possible placement of a child or Nonminor Dependent (NMD). The requirements for RFA are contained in the Resource Family Approval Program Written Directives issued by the California Department of Social Services.
What are the Components of RFA?
The RFA process involves a comprehensive assessment that includes:
· Background Checks (Criminal clearances, Megan’s Law, DMV, etc.)
· Home Environment Assessment
· Pre- and Post- Approval Training, including CPR & First Aid
· Health Screening
· References
· Psychosocial Assessment (including individual interviews with all family members)
· Annual Updates After Initial Approval
Do Existing Caregivers Need to be Approved as a Resource Family?
No, not at this time. However, existing caregivers will be required to meet the RFA standards no later than December 31, 2019. Information regarding the transition for existing caregivers will be provided to all existing caregivers by July 1, 2017.
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FYI 16-43, Resource Family Approval (RFA) Program, FAQ Page 2 of 2
12/21/16
How do New Caregivers Become a Resource Family?
Beginning January 1, 2017 the ASFA Home Assessment Request form will be discontinued. All homes must meet the standards set in the Resource Family Approval Process Written Directives.
To initiate a home assessment for a new relative or NREFM caregiver associated with an open referral/case, please submit a DCFS 6087, RFA Intake Request Form to the RFA Intake Request Inbox located in your office.
Prospective Foster and Adoptive Applicants should continue to contact the applicant inquiry line at: 1-888-811-1121 in order to register for an upcoming orientation and to learn more about how to begin the RFA process.
Can the Placement of a Child or NMD Occur Prior to Resource Family Approval?
Yes. The current practice of CSWs working with parents and/or family members to explore possible relative placements remain unchanged. For additional information regarding placing a child or NMD prior to RFA approval, please refer to: FYI 16-44, RFA: Emergency Assessments and Clearances.
NOTE: NMDs may reside with relatives/NREFMs as Supervised Independent Living Placements (SILPS) without RFA approval.
How long before a Relative/NREFM is approved as a Resource Family?
The RFA Process is time sensitive and requires completion of a comprehensive background check within 10 calendar days of placement and all remaining components of the RFA process to be completed within 90 calendar days of placement.
Immediately upon placement, a RFA Intake Request Form should be submitted to the RFA Intake Section to begin the RFA process. Once the application is received, the family will be assigned to a RFA CSW and a Community Based Organization (CBO) to assist them in completing the home assessment process.
What if a Relative/NREFM lives Outside of Los Angeles County?
Submit the DCFS 6087 (RFA Intake Request Form) to the RFA Intake Request Inbox located in your office. The RFA unit will work with the other county in order to complete the assessment process.
What Supports are Available for Relatives/NREFMs during the RFA process?
To support relatives/NREFMs who are caring for children as they undergo the RFA process, the one- time DCFS Emergency Placement Stipend of $400.00 per child will be extended to $400.00 per child per month for three months beginning January 1, 2017.
DCFS is also contracting with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to assist relatives/NREFMs with the RFA process. Relatives/NREFMs will be assigned to CBOs that will provide in-home orientations, complete Home Environment Assessments, provide Pre-Approval and Post-Approval Training, assist with obtaining documents required for the RFA process, assist in developing corrective action and documented alternative plans, and assess for basic needs and to access tangible supports.