SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES

Sierra Forever Families is a private, nonprofit agency that focuses on finding and nurturing permanent families for children living in foster care. Founded in 1983, Sierra has helped more than 3,200 children find their forever family. Sierra believes every child needs and deserves a permanent, loving family. Through the agency’s innovative programs, it has become an industry leader known for advocating and finding homes for all children, including hard to place children such as older youth and large sibling groups.

The Foster/Adopt Process: 1. Orientation. Orientation gives a broad overview of how this program works. This is a chance to consider basic issues and have general questions answered. It is offered the second Monday of every month in a group setting at our Sacramento office. Additional orientations can be arranged for your church, community group, or workplace. 2. The Preliminary Interview. The preliminary interview is scheduled after the orientation, and allows for further discussion about your family’s motives, strengths, and interests in the adoption process. 3. The Application. The application consists of two packets. The first contains the foster/adoption application, fingerprint, and other forms necessary to begin the process. The second packet is focused on you as a family, your experiences with children, your relationships, and helps Sierra to know you better. 4. Classes. Preparation classes provide in-depth exploration of challenges and benefits in caring for children not born to you, and how to successfully parent a child with a history of traumatic losses. Once you have completed the basic training, additional classes and support groups will prepare you for the role of parenting a child from foster care. 5. Foster Certification Process. The certification of your home is mandatory before placement. Dual certification for foster/adopt homes must meet state regulations, including requiring smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, a locked location for medications and cleaning products, and current driver’s license and insurance. CPR and First Aid trainings must be completed as well. 6. Home Study Process. Home study process begins when the application paperwork has been completed. An experienced Master’s level social worker will be assigned to work with your family throughout the assessment process. Sierra offers personal interviews for your family at your convenience. Once a child is placed in your home, your home study worker will provide ongoing placeme