Foster Care

     San Diego Youth Services’ Foster Care is the first and most established private foster family agencies in San Diego County. Launched in 1976, the program was created in response to the County’s need for treatment level foster homes or at risk youths.  Since its founding, SDYS Foster Care Program has evolved into a licensed Foster Family Agency (FFA), designed to supply treatment-oriented foster care for primarily adolescents with histories that require a more intensive level of therapeutic care.

     SDYS Foster Care specializes in finding, certifying and supporting foster parents for hard-to-place youth, while moving them toward long-term goals of reunification with their natural parents or emancipation. With over 30 years of service, our program provides a full wrap around service approach to foster care including: clinical services, case management, respite, foster parent trainings and mentoring program for youth. Our dedicated staff and extraordinary foster parents have helped provide treatment and services for 1,000 foster youth in our San Diego community. Throughout our 30 years in existence SDYS Foster Care Program has recruited and retained many dedicated families throughout San Diego County. 

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Parent, please fill out online survey:

View Foster Care Survey Here

Foster Care Supportive Services Provided:

-24-hour support: Social work staff provides home-based services and are always available by pager to respond to a crisis or simply lend a helpful ear.
-Respite assistance:  Coordination and extra financial assistance is provided to ensure that respite is available when needed.  Careful assessment process to ensure a positive fit between youth and family.
-Comprehensive training:  Enhanced skill development prior to certification and on an ongoing basis to equip parents with the necessary tools to do the job.
-Monthly reimbursement:  Financial support to compensate for the expense related to caring for a youth, receive compensation up to $1200/month*
-Counseling services: Staff counselors available to provide in-home or clinic based services to the youth and family

*certain stipulations

Get Involved Become a Foster Parent: Respite Parent Treatment Foster Parent Intensive Treatment Foster Parenting

Eligibility and Steps to become a Foster Parent:  Be at least 21 years old Live in at least a two bedroom home/apartment with a separate room available for foster children placed in your care Have available an adequate source of income that is verifiable by our agency Attend a SDYS Foster Care Orientation Complete a Foster Parent Application Complete a CPR and First Aid Certification  Obtain a Finger Print Background Clearances* Receive a Health Screening/TB Test Verify a good DMV/Driving License Report Attend training classes Work with SDYS staff as a team in to improve the lives of Foster Children

Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care - Child (MTFC)
For more information, view flier or contact Walker DeWitt
(619) 221 8610 x 293 email at wdewitt@sdyouthservices.org
 

Become A Mentor

About our Mentoring Program: Since 2006, SDYS Foster Care has provided a mentoring program for foster youth. Mentors are recruited throughout San Diego and matched with youth placed in foster homes throughout the county.  Our Mentor Services: 16-hour training on issues related to foster care and mentoring. Mentors are screened and matched on the basis of the needs of the foster youth in our program.  Other things considered in the matching criterion are the expertise of the mentor, geographic location, the potential for personal chemistry and the compatibility of meeting times. Mentors and youth meet in the foster home or group home during the first initial visit with SDYS Services Coordinator then the match are encouraged to participate in community events.  Mentors receive support and guidance from SDYS staff. Mentors will also receive a 60 dollar a month stipend to help cover mileage and activity costs.  Inclusion in SDYS activities that will include surfing, snowboarding, biking, celebrations and others. Our goals in the Fostering Youth Independence Mentoring Program are to:    engage foster youth in mentoring, reduce juvenile delinquency, improve school attendance, reduce placement disruptions, and develop skills and resiliencies to support successful transitions.  Mentor Requirements:    A commitment of twice a month for at least one year with the hopes of a lifelong friendship. Must be at least 18 years old. Flexible Desire to build a relationship with another person to help them achieve their personal, educational or career goals. Ability to communicate with youth openly and without judgment. Strong listening and problem solving skills.  Strong understanding of personal confidentiality.  Experience with foster youth is preferred but not a requirement.  Valid and clean CA driver’s license and willingness to use own properly insured vehicle.  Passing required clearances which include fingerprinting, federal and state background checks, drug testing, clean TB test and reference checks.

Foster Care Sponsors

Learn more about becoming a Mentor please contact 619.221.8610 x244 or email at ahorvath@sdyouthservices.org
 

Support our Program

If you are passionate about Foster Care here are some way to support our program.   Volunteer:  We here at foster care are always in need of good people from our community to help facilitate the daily operation of our program. To learn more about our current volunteer needs please click here.  View our Wish List here

What are the main responsibilities of a foster parent?  We help our children get back on track with their lives. Our parenting responsibilities include sitting down with our children and helping them work through their issues, conducting family meetings, helping them with school, and getting them involved with activities and family outings.  It is satisfying to see a child blossom.  When our foster children first walk into our home, we always try to find out what they want to achieve in their lives, and together, with the children, we map out a plan on how to make their goals happen.  -Donald and Jan   SDYS Foster Parents since 1990

SDYS Foster Parents at Creations in Chocolate 2007
Celebrating 30 years of Foster Families


SDYS recognizes Foster Parent of the Year
Mrs. Melrose Rowe for 20 years of service as a Foster Parent