Recruitment, certification and training of American Indian foster parents to provide culturally-appropriate foster homes

Emergency, short-term and long-term foster care placement of Indian children

Social work and therapeutic intervention to promote family reunification

Tribal and family representation in the court systems to advocate for the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

Information and referral services to community resources

Education and consultation on American Indian history, culture and traditions

Open Your Heart And Home To An Indian Foster Child Today!

  --Licensed to certify homes in Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties

If you do not wish to be a foster parent yourself but know of others who do, send them our way.

For every referral you make to our agency that results in a certified AICRC foster home, you will receive $200 as our way of saying, Thank You!

Why am I needed as a foster parent?

Many American Indian families have struggled to overcome historical trauma as well as adjustment difficulties resulting from negative boarding school experiences, urban relocation, or other life-changing events. As a result, many Indian children are vulnerable to violence or neglect and often require temporary placement outside of their homes until therapeutic intervention can take place. Under the guidelines of the Indian Child Welfare Act, a child placed outside of the home should remain culturally "intact," and active efforts should be made to reunify that child with the natural parents. Until reunification occurs, you can provide a safe and loving home while encouraging strong ties to the natural family and traditional ways.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply, regardless of race, religion, gender, marital status, etc. We need homes, which will be culturally supportive and make every effort to keep the child engaged in traditional values and activities as appropriate to that child's tribe(s).

How do I apply?

Simply fill out the foster family home application and the foster family survey, submit it to our office, and wait to be contacted by one of our social workers who will begin the screening process for certification. We are more than happy to assist you in completing the application paperwork should you need our help.

What is involved in being certified?

Fingerprints for a background check will need to be taken of all people living in your house over the age of 18. Additionally, all those over 18 years of age will be required to have a tuberculosis screening. The certifying social worker must determine that your home is a safe and healthy environment. This includes having a written disaster plan, working smoke alarms, an agreement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment, and other similar requirements, all of which we will help you complete.

What can I expect from AICRC?

The American Indian Child Resource Center is dedicated to ensuring that every Indian child placed through our agency is provided a strong and caring foster home. Our foster care program offers quarterly training opportunities and continuous foster parent support. You will be given monthly financial assistance to help cover each child's living expenses. Our social workers and family counselor provide coordinated services, depending on the child's needs. They are available to give you, as foster parent(s), the kind of support you need.