Now is your time. Help make a difference. 

Help change the life of a child by becoming a Resource Family.

All youth deserve a safe, stable, and loving environment where they can learn, grow, and continue their journey toward being a healthy, happy, and productive individual. The possible placement of our youth with a resource family is new venture for the Probation Department and we are excited to take on such a rewarding process. However, we cannot do it without dedicated and invested partners, just like you, to help complete our team.

What is a Resource Family?

• Any individual, couple, or family who wants to provide care to a related or unrelated youth who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or the Probation Department.
• Resource Families may be considered for foster care, guardianship, and adoption placements depending on the Resource Family’s goals.

What are the requirements to be a Resource Family?

• Be a San Bernardino County resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Complete an application
• Attend an orientation and 12 hours of no-cost pre-approval training
• Complete 8 hours of no-cost post-approval training
• Participate in 8 hours of training annually 
• Complete a criminal record check/Live Scan and DMV check
• Participate in a home environment check & psycho-social assessment completed by a social worker
• Complete CPR/First Aid and a Health and TB Screening

Are there any differences in providing care for a Probation youth?

• The requirements are the same in terms of the Resource Family Approval Process.
• Probation youth typically have Terms and conditions from the Court and an assigned Probation Officer. 

Will the Probation Department provide Resource Families with Support? 

• The youth will be assigned a supervision officer who will help monitor the youth’s behavior at home and at school, while ensuring the youth is following the orders of the court.
• There are numerous classes and services available including, but not limited to: anger management, girls circle, alive at 25, victim awareness, weapon diversion, food handlers certification, fork lift certification, job training, counseling, tutoring, parenting class, independent living skills, and many more.