Resources Available to Resource Families
(Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Caregivers)
1-877-792-KIDS (5437)
CWSFARFS.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov
In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
In the event of a mental health crisis, please call 988.
For a list of additional community resources in San Diego, please call 211.
To report child abuse or neglect in San Diego County, please call the
San Diego Child Abuse Hotline at: 1 (800) 344-6000.
Childcare
- YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)
- 1-800-481-2151 or 619-521-3070
- http://www.childcaresandiego.com/
- Head Start – Neighborhood House Association
- 1 (888) 873-5145 (3-5 Yrs.)
- YMCA Childcare Resource Services- To get help finding childcare:
- YMCA Bridge Program // Financial Childcare Assistance for Resource Parents
- The YMCA
- childcarebridge@ymca.org
- // 1 (619) 521-3055 x2622 (All Ages)
- CalWorks childcare and financial information
Respite
- Respite Services for Resource Parents
- CWSRespite.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 285-7437/285-7438
Financial Assistance & Discounts
- Free/Reduced YMCA Memberships for Resource Families
- 1-858-292-9622 (main office)
- SDG&E CARE program
- When you have a child with Medi-Cal in your home, you will qualify for up to 30% discount on your monthly SDG&E bill:
- Energy Assistance Program/ MAAC Project
- Provides assistance with any utility bill for families that meet the eligibility requirements
- https://maacproject.org/main/impact/healthy-homes-health-services/energy-assistance/
- Smiles Change Lives
- Financial help with orthodontic care
- https://www.smileschangelives.org/
Food, Clothing & Diapers
- Food Banks: https://sandiegofoodbank.org/gethelp/
- Where to get assistance and obtain food for your family
- WIC: https://sandiegowic.org/
- Call 1-800-500-6411
- All children in foster care under 5 years old qualify for WIC
- Provides free formula for infants, and food for young children
- Straight From the Heart: https://www.straightfromtheheartinc.org/
- Supplies new unused children’s items for free to foster children, parents, and caregivers.
- San Diego Diaper Bank: https://sandiegofoodbank.org/programs/diaper-bank-program/
- My Girlfriend’s Closet: http://www.mygirlfriendscloset.info/#
- Provides gently used teen girl clothing
Trainings & Support
- Resource Parent Mentor Program
- New and current Resource Parents receive support and guidance from experienced Resource Parents, with all of the information and community resources to be effective and demonstrate excellent parenting, system navigation, and collaboration.
- Call 800-200-1222 to request a mentor today!
- Foster and Kinship Care Education Program
- Training, support, and classes available for all caregivers through the Foster and Adoptive Kinship Care Education (FAKCE) through Grossmont College
- Quality Parenting Initiative QPI
- Straight From the Heart: North County Resource Parent support
- San Diego County Foster Parent Association
- Promises 2 Kids: https://promises2kids.org/programs/
- Offers resources for current and former foster youth, including the following programs:
- Something Special Fund & Birthday Club: https://promises2kids.org/something-special-fund/
- Camp Connect:
- Monthly events/summer camp for siblings separated in foster care: https://promises2kids.org/camp-connect/
- 1 (858) 751-6613
- Guardian Scholars, for older youth in foster care: https://promises2kids.org/guardian-scholars/
- San Diego Youth Services: https://sdyouthservices.org/services/adoption-support/
- Post adoption resources for youth and families
- Advokids: https://advokids.org/
- Legal resources for foster youth, siblings and resource families
- CA Early Start
- Early Start – CA Department of Developmental Services
- 1-800–515–2229 or earlystart@dds.ca.gov
- Voices for Children – To Become A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- https://www.speakupnow.org/
- 1 (858) 569-2019
- First Five Program: https://first5sandiego.org/programs/all-programs/
- Resources for children 5 and under
- Foster Youth Education Resources (Birth to College): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/california-foster-youth-education-resource-hub
- iFoster free online tutoring K-12: https://www.ifoster.org/blogs/ifoster-learn-to-be/
- SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) resources: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/foster-care/sogie/resources
- UPAC Teen Recovery Services
- 1 (619) 521-5720
- Together We Rise: https://www.togetherwerise.org/how-we-help/
- Resources for foster and adoptive families
- Supports for children aging out of foster care
- Regional Center: https://www.sdrc.org/
- Support and services for special needs and at risk children
- Department of Rehabilitation Student Services: https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/StudentServices
- Assist students (ages 16-21) that have an IEP, 504 plan, or disability, with pre-employment Transition Services. Including a Work Experience program where they pay students to volunteer at a business to gain work experience.
- Support for non-black caregivers: https://cacaregivers.org/
- Support for caregivers learning how to care for the hair, skin and culture of black children
- YMCA Kinship support: 1-877-962-4546
- e-mail- kinshipyfs@ymca.org (resources and activities for relative caregivers as well as support groups specifically for Kinship families)
- YMCA Kinship Navigator
- Assistance for Grandparent/Relative caregivers for basic need items, support groups, childcare, mental health services
- 1 (619) 543-9850 x12440
- Voluntary Guardianship Probate Court
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP)- 1 (619) 235-5656 x113
- Support with educational issues for youth in foster care: fysinfo@sdcoe.net
- Wraparound Services: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/foster-care/wraparound
- Support and services for the youth and the entire resource family
- Outdoor Outreach: https://www.outdooroutreach.org/programs/
- Support and resources for kids 9-24 impacted by social inequality
- YFS- Youth Fire setter Program: https://burninstitute.org/youth-firesetter-referral/
- Assess and help prevent youth from continued fire setting
- Urban Surf 4 Kids: https://urbansurf4kids.org/
- Program for children who have experienced complex trauma, offers surf camps and other activities
- Phone: 858.999.5103
- Email: info@us4k.org
Foster Care & Placement
- Options Program: English | Español
- Foster Family Agencies
- Placement Coordinator’s Office (PCO)
- To report a Vacancy or Voluntary Hold // 1 (858) 650-5879
- Polinsky Children’s Center (PCC) 1 (858) 514-4600
- RFA Resource Family Handbook
- RFA Manual Para Familias de Recursos
- Written Directives
