How is it that people in our community learn about Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara? Often times, it is through word of mouth, from all of our wonderful families who have had first hand experiences with the program. It is so encouraging to have a prospective foster parent call in and share all the positive things that they have heard about the program or how a personal connection with one of our families has inspired them. ANGELS is always looking to expand our family and create more open homes for children in need. We greatly appreciate your voice in the community and it does make a difference!  
 
So, maybe you are you wondering what happens when someone you have referred calls in? All inquiries for new foster parents are responded to personally by one of our staff members. First and foremost, we thank them for their interest and find out how they heard about ANGELS.  If they are hoping to become a certified foster parent through ANGELS, we then set a time to complete a phone screening with one of our social workers.  If the phone screening determines that the program is a good fit for both parties, then we send out an application packet. (As many of you know, that is only the beginning of all the paperwork that will soon follow as they go through the process!)

 

Once we have an application back, it is reviewed, and the applicant is informed of the outcome. If the application is approved, a psychological screening is completed using the MMPI-2 test. After results from this screening are cleared, then a family is eligible to attend ANGELS training sessions. The remainder of the process includes all the necessary steps to move forward with certification - this includes (but is not limited to) elements such as the home inspection, personalized interview sessions, background clearances, health screenings, references, and documentation of financial stability.

 

The certification period is always a mutual process. It is a time for families to continue to learn about becoming foster parents and prepare to welcome an ANGELS child into their home. It is also a time for ANGELS to make sure that we are upholding our mission of certifying the most highly qualified families to ensure that each ANGELS child is provided with a safe, loving home, that is able to care for their unique needs.