As a caregiver, your first step is completing the Yolo County Resource Family application — this is what makes your household an approved Resource Family. Applicants then attend an orientation, an informal session covering the RFA process, where caregivers can ask questions and decide if they’re ready to move forward.

After applying, caregivers are scheduled for Live Scan fingerprinting as part of their background check. Prospective Resource Families must also complete the 18-hour RFA Orientation and Pre-Approval Series, plus CPR/First Aid certification, before moving forward in the process.

An RFA Social Worker schedules a home visit to confirm the space meets basic health and safety standards, followed by a Family Evaluation — a conversation about your household, caregiving experience, and the age range or needs you feel prepared to support.

Approved Resource Families must complete 8 hours of continuing FKCE classes annually. Topics rotate throughout the year and have included trauma-informed caregiving, positive parenting and discipline, and grief and loss support for children in care.

California requires all Resource Families to complete certain classes regardless of renewal timing, including training on identifying and supporting Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC).