Adoption Brochure, KCDHS 174-Adop (9/17)

Are you interested becoming an adoptive parent? This brochure provides an overview of the Kern County Adoption Agency, including information on the backgrounds of foster children open for adoption, the different long-term placement options for foster children, and responses to frequently asked questions.

(Note – The brochure states adoptive parents can be reimbursed up to $500 per child for non-reoccurring adoption expenses. The current reimbursement rate is up to $400 per child.)

Post Adoption Sibling Contact Meetings Brochure, KCDHS 676- Adop (10/17)

Want to find out how to start or maintain a sibling relationship between your adoptive child and their biological siblings? The sibling relationship is one of the most important connections a person has over their lifetime. This brochure explains the purpose of post adoption sibling contact meetings.

Information Regarding Adoption, Rev 4/2018

An adoption is when birth parents’ parental rights are terminated and the resource parent(s) become the child’s legal parents. This packet includes information about the characteristics of children available for adoption, alternative long term placement options, the adoption process, resources for adoptive parents, the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP), and Adoption Grievance Procedures.

Adoption and Legal Guardianship Permanency Planning Options (2/17)

Has a Social Service Worker ever talked to you about “concurrent planning?” This list explains the differences between the permanency commitments of Adoption, Legal Guardianship, Placement with a Fit and Willing Relative, and Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement.

Adoption Timeline

This document explains the steps in finalizing an adoption for a child in the foster care system. It explains typical timeframes for court hearings; however, it is possible for case-specific circumstances to effect the timeframes.

Aspiranet REACH – Post Adoption Support Services for Kern County

Are you an adoptive parent in need of support or resources? Aspiranet Foster Family Agency provides free adoption support services to all Kern County Adoption Agency adoptive, and potential adoptive, families. Services include referrals to counseling services and an adoptive parent support group.

Family Assessment Questions

This document lists questions the adoption Social Service Worker will ask to prospective adoptive parents, and prospective legal guardians, during an assessment interview home visit. This interview will help the adoption Social Service Worker write an adoption assessment that includes our Department’s recommendation for where or with whom the child should live with long term. If you have a foster child currently placed in the Adoptions program, reviewing these questions can prepare you for the assessment interview.

Guardianship Pamphlet, JV 350

A Legal Guardian (LG) is given the legal authority and responsibility to care for a child. A guardian can be related or unrelated. The birth parents’ parental rights are suspended, but not terminated. The pamphlet explains the differences between Legal Guardianship and Adoptions and Legal Guardianship and Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (formerly called long term foster care).

(Note – The pamphlet lists the incorrect number for the KCDHS Permanency Unit. The current main number for the Legal Guardianship Social Service Workers is (661) 873-2400).

You Have Rights Too! – PUB 395

Are you a child or youth in the foster care system? Did you know you have rights that protect you regardless of what type of placement you live in? You have rights if you live in non-related foster homes, relative foster homes, temporary shelters or group homes. This pamphlet explains the rights foster children have in any placement setting, including the rights to live in a safe, comfortable home, the right to be treated with respect, the right to participate in the court process for your case, the right to have medical care, the right to go to school and participate in after-school activities, the right to learn independent living skills, the right to have contact with your family (unless a judge says you cannot), and the right to tell the judge, lawyer and social worker assigned to your case how you feel. If your rights are not being followed, you can contact the Foster Care Ombudsman at (877) 846-1602 or at their website.