Foster & Kinship Care Education
The Foster & Kinship Care Education (FKCE) program provides free educational workshops, classes and support opportunities in English and Spanish for Orange County's Resource Parents (Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship [relative]caregivers of children and youth in out-of-home care). All our classes meet the annual 8-hour training requirement for Resource Parents.
Class topics address the unique parenting challenges faced by Resource Parents and ensure caregivers have the training they need to meet the educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental needs of the children in their care. We aim to inform, inspire and support caregivers and to equip them to make a positive difference in the lives of the children in their homes and hearts.
A Program of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
Providing classes to enhance your parenting skills, strengthen your support network, and increase your understanding of the children in your care.
Come and be a part of a supportive learning community!
Ph: (949) 582-4884
scfkce@saddleback.edu
Mission
The mission of the Foster and Kinship Care Education Program (FKCE) is to provide quality education and support opportunities to caregivers of children and youth in out-of-home care so that these providers may meet the educational, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of children and youth.
Why is the FKCE Program Important?
The dramatic increase in the state's foster care population has been attributed to many factors: there are a greater number of children living in poverty, there are increasing numbers of parents who abuse alcohol and drugs, and there has been an increase of cases of child abuse and neglect. The FKCE program plays a vital role in providing licensed foster parents and relative caregivers (now called Resource Parents) with the training and education that will help them in meeting the multifaceted and often complex needs of the children in their care.
Who can Attend the Trainings?
All training sessions are FREE and are open to residents of Orange County. Our target audience is mainly Resource Parents (foster parents and relative caregivers) and respite caregivers. However, most classes are OPEN to EVERYONE in the community including social workers, group home staff, family, and friends. Children are not allowed to attend unless the class description explicitly states it.
Where are Classes held?
All FKCE classes are currently only offered remotely. When COVID restrictions ease, we look forward to offering classes in-person as well.
What Type of Classes are Offered?
Our class topics meet the training needs of resource families and are updated regularly.
Class topics address unique parenting challenges and ensure that caregivers have the training they need to meet the educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental needs of their children. We aim to inform, inspire and support our caregivers and equip them to make a positive difference in the lives of the children in their homes and hearts.
Whether you are new to being a resource family or are an experienced caregiver, Foster and Kinship Care Education provides you with FREE classes to enhance your parenting skills while providing much-needed support and will increase your understanding of youth in out-of-home care.
Do you offer classes in Spanish?
We have a comprehensive menu of classes in Spanish. See our “Classes” tab for the current schedule of classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for an Online class?
1. Select your class from our website (go to the "Classes" tab), or select your class from the flyer that you
may have received.
2. At least three days in advance of the class, click on the Registration Link for your class.
3. Complete each field on the registration page.
4. You will then receive an email with the "Click Here to Join" link. Please note that if you register early and
are not be able to find your "Click Here to Join" link email, you will need to register for the class again
by going to:
www.saddleback.edu/el/fkce , go to the "Classes" tab, find your class , click on the Registration Link,
and register for the class again. This will immediately generate a confirmation email with a new
"Click Here to Join" link that you can click on to join the class.
5. Write the date of your class on your calendar as a reminder of your upcoming class. You may also receive
an email reminder prior to class from the instructor.
6. On the day of the class, “Join the Class” by clicking the link on the invitation to join the class.
7. You are not required to have a Zoom account to join a class.
8. Before you attend class, please review the Zoom Etiquette for Online Classes document.
9. You must be present for the entire class time to receive credit. There will be a class evaluation at
the end of class.
What to Expect in Your Online “Virtual” Class
1. Your instructor will have questions for you in lieu of a paper class sign- in sheet.
2. When the class instruction begins, follow the Zoom Etiquette for Online Classes.
3. At the end of class, you will receive a link in the chat box to complete a class evaluation. When the class is completed, you will receive:
A Certificate of Completion
(The registration FAQs below pertain mostly to In-Person classes. Our In-Person classes have been postponed until further notice. Go to our "Classes" tab for current ONLINE CLASS information.)
How do I register for an in-person class?
You must pre-register to ensure your place in the class. All Foster & Kinship Care Education classes are free.
In the class schedule, you will find a wide variety of in-person courses to provide you with the knowledge and support to be the best caregiver you can be. Please note that all approved resource caregivers must do eight training hours every year.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Open the "Classes" tab and view or print the Schedule of Classes. Select your classes. Follow the registration instructions listed under the location of your class.
When registering, please provide:
• Your name, phone number, and email address
• The class name, location, and time.
Please note there must be at least two participants for classes to be held. Classes start promptly at the start time indicated in the catalog. In order to receive the full credit hours for a class, you must arrive on time and attend the entire class.
Canceling your registration: If you need to cancel your registration, just call our office or send an email and let us know. This way we can offer your place to someone else, or take the necessary steps to change the status of our class offering.
Priority registration is given to Resource Families (prospective, new and/or licensed) and respite caregivers. However, space permitting, most of our classes are open to the community. We encourage social services staff, juvenile probation officers, group home staff, foster family agency homes (FFAs), and family and friends of resource families to participate in our classes. Children are welcome when childcare is offered.
Questions? Please send us an email scfkce@saddleback.edu.
How much are your classes?
All FKCE classes are free.
Where are the classes located?
All FKCE classes are currently only offered remotely. When COVID restrictions ease, we look forward to offering classes in-person as well.
Is childcare available?
Children are welcome when childcare is offered. See each site listed in the class schedule for details.
How can I become involved in FKCE as a resource parent?
Join us for our quarterly FKCE Advisory Board meetings.
Meetings are currently held remotely.
Contact Martine Wehr at mwehr@saddleback.edu or (949) 582-4217 for dates of our upcoming meetings.
Do you offer classes for youth?
Our classes are primarily for adults who are caring for children in out-of-home care. We may occasionally offer a class where youth may attend with their resource parent, but that would be clearly stated in the class description in the class catalog.
Do you offer Closed Captioning services?
We offer Closed Captioning services. At least one week in advance, please send an email request to mwehr@saddleback.edu. Please include your name, class title, date, time, and instructor name.
Whom do I contact concerning foster youth who may want to attend Saddleback College?
BRIDGES Program
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) has recognized that there is a significant deficit regarding youth from foster care attending higher education. Acknowledging this need, they are sponsoring a concerted effort called the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) to bring issues affecting these youth to the forefront and to improve the ability of these youth to access post-secondary education and benefit from the support services that are available but are often unknown to them.
Saddleback College offers supportive services to current and former foster youth through the Bridges to Foster Student Success (BRIDGES) Program. The BRIDGES Program (formerly known as the S.T.E.P.S Program) is funded through the Saddleback College Student Equity Program and is committed to supporting current and former foster youth students. The BRIDGES Program serves as the primary support service for current and former foster youth to access both on-campus and off-campus resources.
Location: SSC 126
BRIDGES Phone: (949) 582-4622
Fax: (949) 364-6949
Email:
sceops@saddleback.edu
Office Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesdays 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
What types of services and support are available to a former foster youth who attends Saddleback College?
If your youth needs help to register for Saddleback College classes, please contact Jeffrey Hannibal at the EOPS office at (949) 582-4620. Location: SSC 126.
Have questions about Financial Aid? Visit http://www.saddleback.edu/fao .
You can also stop by the Financial Aid office on campus or contact Donata Thokozile at tsenda@saddleback.edu (949) 582-4233. Location SSC 106.
After a foster youth has registered as a Saddleback College student, they may elect to meet with an Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) counselor to learn about the many support resources and programs available to them on campus. Visit http://www.saddleback.edu/eops or call (949) 582-4620. Location: SSC 126.
We are pleased to offer free classes in English and Spanish for Orange County residents to enhance your parenting skills, strengthen your support network, and increase your understanding of the children in your care.
We are currently offering our classes remotely. We will provide updates when we are able to also offer our classes in-person again. Stay tuned!
How To Enroll in an ONLINE Class
Find the class that you would like to take.
Click on the Registration Link under the class title.
Complete the registration questions.
You will receive a return email about joining the class.
Follow Zoom Etiquette during class
(Additional detailed instructions can be found under our "FAQs" tab)
Zoom Etiquette
Be on time
Wear appropriate clothing
No multitasking
Frame yourself in the camera correctly
Have the right lighting in front of you
Remember, this is a classroom
Mute yourself when not speaking
Look into the camera/computer and limit distractions
No children in class
How to Enroll in an In-Person Class
You must pre-register to ensure your place in the class. All Foster & Kinship Care Education classes are free.
In the class schedule, you will find a wide variety of in-person courses to provide you with the knowledge and support to be the best caregiver you can be. Please note that all approved resource caregivers must do eight training hours every year.
How to register:
Open the "Classes" tab and view or print the Schedule of Classes. Select your classes. Follow the registration instructions listed under the location of your class.
When registering, please provide:
• Your name, phone number, and email address
• The class name, location, and time.
Please note there must be at least two participants for classes to be held. Classes start promptly at the start time indicated in the catalog. In order to receive the full credit hours for a class, you must arrive on time and attend the entire class.
Canceling your registration: If you need to cancel your registration, just call our office or send an email and let us know. This way we can offer your place to someone else, or take the necessary steps to change the status of our class offering.
Priority registration is given to Resource Families (prospective, new and/or licensed) and respite caregivers. However, space permitting, most of our classes are open to the community. We encourage social services staff, juvenile probation officers, group home staff, foster family agency homes (FFAs), and family and friends of resource families to participate in our classes. Children are welcome when childcare is offered.
APRIL Online Classes
8-Week SERIES: Making Sense of Your Worth
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Renae Dupuis, MDiv
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/cWQ3C5ywXmSpnjjnHzq7jl?domain=ocunited.org/
Thursdays: April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lindy Johnson, LCSW
Attachment + Connection
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/_e7yCBBXjDiRRP86iNlbD4?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Renae Dupuis, MDiv
Making Sense of Your Worth
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/h7spCR6KDZU5WMlZTNKWMw?domain=ocunited.org/
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Positive Discipline for Preschoolers
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpf-ChqjksGtEaKvaqq_dyWiTBanOCo-aR
Thursday, April 22, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Family Matters: Relatives Raising Children
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwodu6hpz0uH9az3zhGakCW52B_S5g9ZO8x
Thursday, April 22, 2021 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Brenda Crary, LMFT
TBRI - Correcting Principles
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvdeyprToiG9ILMjyFB_Dea3abnKkzoygP
Thursday, April 22, 2021 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Kathy McCarrell, MSW
Overview of the Child Welfare System
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/AlG_CwpyvXfVV08QcKIgFv?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Grief and Loss in Foster Care
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vdOipqjgtH9fu7-t3RXZ2b9PeVNThfqQb
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Renae Dupuis, MDiv
Making Sense of Your Worth
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/h7spCR6KDZU5WMlZTNKWMw?domain=ocunited.org/
Friday, April 30, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Erin Kim, Resource Parent Mentor
Learning Circle: Partnerships in Caregiving
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtc-ugqDgsHdXqZWkCIM1R8H6DjSgklyTX
MAY Online Classes
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
LGBT Youth: Creating Safe Spaces
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkdeqhqj8uH9fBm3PrENwfrLNHV-KIzg7o
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lindy Green Johnson, LCSW
Trauma + Brain Development
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/s82hC9rAPqtNZ7BmcoZ0xr?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, May 6, 2021 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Kathy McCarrell, MSW
Self-Care in the Midst of the COVID Pandemic
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/lXwQCxkzwYhRRmM0uRH4Eu?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, May 6, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tristen McGhee, RD
TBRI - Introduction and Overview
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/uvvUCn5mjLHmoKJyimgjBc?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Saturday, May 8, 2021 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Attachment Parenting
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ufuirrjouGtCwBrmzDuS3n50STa48KunE
Monday, May 10, 2021 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Erin Kim, Resource Parent Mentor
Learning Circle: Parenting Teens
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIucOytpjgsH9xzjV-gn-ecxy8IOZ27izuc
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Rick Bazant, PsyD
Working with Birth Parents/Visitation
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvduCuqTkvH9HPrqD0fBMTkOXNIttqQUXA
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Domestic Violence
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrcOihpjgvGt1EDVJ8RKwW7x9MUP7MLHlj
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lindy Green Johnson, LCSW
Attachment and Connection: Building Healthy Relationships with your Children
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/OZmVC0RoP5fgEP32hDfW48?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, May 13, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Prudent Parenting
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUocuqhqj0qHNY-De4nrTUkh-X0Z2xd7wWf
Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tristen McGhee, RD
TBRI - Empowering Principles
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pceyhpzIqEtwQfR-OiBdMNTGHOLLqbTOT
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Kathy McCarrell, MSW
Building Resilience in Children
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/WIYUCyPAxZt226XWSAdd4Z?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Saturday, May 15, 2021 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Renae Dupuis, MDiv
TBRI- Correcting Principles
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/LxWOCQWKBYHoP2qZcx-U-v?domain=ocunited.org/
Monday, May 17, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtceysqDkqG9Ruvt7T9AImJI4nxTWHB7C-
Thursday, May 20, 2021 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Kathy McCarrell, MSW
Supporting Cultural Ties and Identity
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/0-kLCzp4y1fww8gBCB6mLS?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tristen McGhee, RD
TBRI - Connecting Principles
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoduirrzkjGtIQsTuIBjpUkdhyRw9L1xj1
Thursday, May 20, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Anger Management
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsfuiuqTgjHdIDP6zQ9JmK0tDUcj6P5EWu
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Building Self-Esteem and Character in the Traumatized Child
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqdO2vrj0oHtSit8OiRuRgwrkdpYvKQnTh
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 12:00-2:00 p.m. Lindy Green Johnson, LCSW
Adult Attachment: Why your "Stuff" Matters
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/bri6CgJDNASwgQ2lh2khxs?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, May 27, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tristen McGhee, RD
TBRI - Correcting Principles
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/JHyiCo2nkMivzB7ocorwBM?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Friday, May 28, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Erin Kim, Resource Parent Mentor
Learning Circle: Parenting Teens
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rdumtrDgrHtO0pFLFLkQPIZOQiHbjT5J2
JUNE Online Classes
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Supporting Cultural Ties and Identity
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kcuitrzstHdGOGIoPS95ImC7nnqfOYrFc
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Rick Bazant, Psy.D
Helping Children with Anxiety and Depression
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYodO2gpj8oHteUWB_Wiy2oqugoth7EAect
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lindy Johnson, LCSW
Building Resilience
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Lhg-C5ywXmSp46W0czHklB?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, June 3, 2021 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Brenda Crary, LMFT
TBRI - Introduction and Overview
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvdeusqTIiGNTqQ1wMpYD-StqeBoCW9WQI
Saturday, June 5, 2021 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Harmful Behaviors
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtcuyhqz8iG9SRmVSXpZd9OTJTcw9xwS2q
Saturday, June 5, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. David Adams, PsyD, LPCC, BCBA-D
Positive Discipline Strategies for Traumatized Children
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlde-qqT8tHdBgSGQZfLSYN84e4yc2VW_A
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Rick Bazant, Psy.D
Conflict Resolution
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucOqhpzgoHdIdANplyJbcVuFp8t1HqZmU
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Prudent Parenting
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqdu6pqDgqHdw8Z4aCDxDXk9EJqUTWHsWl
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lindy Johnson, LCSW
Hurt by Grief + Loss: Healed by YES
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/H_thC68x4nf08yGoS6gi7b?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, June 10, 2021 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Brenda Crary, LMFT
TBRI - Empowering Principles
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMuceCurzsqH9Ed4IVVPWl0Vh703gX1_V1r
Thursday, June 10, 2021 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Kathy McCarrell, MSW
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/lRIxCNkKyVhPzv9zUyJNvg?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Thursday, June 17, 2021 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Brenda Crary, LMFT
TBRI - Connecting Principles
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcufuqprTwqGNcnYvPS1vdZXHLTyG_v1JKm
Thursday, June 17, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvfuqgrDwjG9xjxxdQUjGmEM-ALaaA_TXB
Saturday, June 19, 2021 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Renae Dupuis, MDiv
TBRI Skills Lab
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/LxWOCQWKBYHoP2qZcx-U-v?domain=ocunited.org/
Monday, June 21, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Getting Along with Others
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqduisrzkrHtH8idih5E_wzu1tWgB5VhQg
Thursday, June 24, 2021 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Brenda Crary, LMFT
TBRI - Correcting Principles
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscemsrz8sGt0QsvZ5IKq816mlNtJFiMTr
Thursday, June 24, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Positive Discipline for Traumatized Children
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrdO-gpjoqG9LJarubgFZerYG0iM_KQePL
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robert Waddington, MSW
Working with Birth Parents
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAoc-yopjMqH9F-0p1E0gXNuoB3eNCzc4by
Clases en español
Busque su clase y luego haga clic en el enlace de registro.
Recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación sobre cómo unirse a la clase.
Abril Clases en Linea
Círculo de Aprendizaje: Cómo trabajar en equipo para criar a nuestros niños
Viernes 4/30/21 6:00-8:00pm Laura Villegas, Entrenadora adoptiva
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocu2tqT4sG9cmA2Bh1PN_mxPqXI8N6FQp
MAYO Clases en Linea
Lunes, 5/10/21 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Laura Villegas, Entrenadora adoptiva
Círculo de Aprendizaje: Cómo criar un adolecente
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtf--hpz4vH9buKYy6l2Su0utwa2lxYNwV
Miércoles, 5/12/21 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Maria Diaz-Nunez
Control de la Ira
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUode2rqDgsGt3-31ROFC_mR0EgBUfgiHy1
Lunes, 5/17/21 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Elizabeth Hutchinson, LCSW
Cómo ser un padre prudente
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/3SkLCwpyvXfVAK6viVA-cO?domain=cccconfer.zoom.us
Viernes, 5/28/21 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Laura Villegas, Entrenadora adoptiva
Círculo de Aprendizaje: Cómo criar un adolecente
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItduqsqD4sGtdQj-Bf2Wy112lIgMFXoAFe
(Las clases se agregan con frecuencia.)
IN-PERSON CLASSES:
In-Person classes are not offered at this time. We will update this site when we have new information.
Foster and Kinship Care classes (In-Person) are offered at various locations throughout Orange County.
(In-Person classes are postponed until further notice.)
To view a list of locations, click on the Program Locations map.
Resource Family Support Opportunities
California Ombudsman for Foster Care
Help Line 1-877-846-1602
www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov
The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsman ensures that the voice of foster children and youth is heard and act on their behalf.
Coast Hills Church
5 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Heart and Home is a monthly support group that meets the first Sunday of every month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Please r.s.v.p. ahead of time for Free Childcare / inquiries at heartandhome4kids@gmail.com. Heart and Home's purpose is to support families caring for children through foster care, guardianship, adoption, and Safe Families.
County of Orange California
California Department of Social Services
Family Urgent Response System (FURS)
The Family Urgent Response System (FURS) includes a statewide hotline as well as local mobile response teams to provide immediate trauma-informed support to current and former foster youth and their caregivers. Local mobile response teams are comprised of compassionate, trained professionals who are available to provide face-to-face support during critical moments. Both the statewide hotline and local mobile response teams are available 24/7/365.
Call or Text: 1-833-939-FURS
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/0GUaC68x4nf0V7vkf5XEuL?domain=cdss.ca.gov
OC Social Services Agency - Children Family Services
Visit their website for information on Foster Care, Adoptions, Resources, Events and more:
OCSSA Resource Family Support
ssa.ocgov.com
714-704-8255
Family Resource Center
22481 Aspan Street, Suite B, Lake Forest, CA 92630
The South Orange County Family Resource Center (SOCFRC) offers a host of different programs designed as resources for parents. For more information on any of these services,
Click on http://www.socfrc.org/Services-Programs or call 949.364.0500.
Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County
Foster Care Auxiliary is a proactive group of foster parents, social workers and community members dedicated to working together to provide high quality care to dependent children, foster parent support and legislative advocacy.
KinshipCareCA.org
We hope to connect you to the services you need most, when you need them, in real time. Find local resources and best-fit services providers by visiting us at:
Mariners Church
Foster Youth & Families 5001 Newport Coast Dr. Irvine, CA 92603
949.769.8100; tmcmullen@marinerschurch.org
Foster Youth & Families is an Outreach Ministry at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA. The ministry provides education, events and services to the foster population in Orange County. https://fostercare.marinerschurch.org/about/
It truly takes a village to care for the foster youth & vulnerable children in our community! We believe everyone can play a significant part. Many of the families who welcome children into their homes need a loving community & support system to help sustain them for the long-term needs that their children have -through prayer, meals and transportation. If you are a Foster or Kinship Family in need of support, please contact Tammy McMullen: tmcmullen@marinerschurch.org
OC United
418/436 W Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832 (714) 515-3085
OC United provides resources and support to caregivers, children, and young adults from the foster care system through programs for parents and caregivers (RESPITE) and aged-out foster youth (THRIVE).
Olive Crest Kinship Support
Olive Crest’s goal is to provide services that strengthen families and encourage their success. Kinship Support Services offers support to relatives raising a relative’s children. If you are a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, extended family member, or family friend who is raising your relative’s child, and you live in Orange County, support and resources are available to you.
Olive Crest’s Kinship Program Offers:
Learning Communities and Support Groups: Provide opportunities for education and support in various group settings to empower relative caregivers, build positive connections and strengthen kinship families.
Learning Communities are currently held virtually via zoom every Tuesday 10am-12pm. Pre-registration is required. Our staff can assist with registration process if needed.
Support groups are currently held Thursday evenings from 6pm-7pm. Registration is not required. Please contact us for the link.
Intensive Case Management Services (for those who qualify). Relative caregiver advocates work closely with kinship families who may be at risk for disruption by developing an individual service plan focused on addressing specific service needs. (Advocates provide connections to community resources, respite care, and individual and family counseling.)
Please note: Childcare services during Learning Communities and Support groups are currently not available. They will become available once we resume in-person services.
To enroll or refer a family member to Kinship Support Services, contact kinship@olivecrest.org or call 714-361-4370; En Español: Todos los servicios están disponibles en español. Para más información, contacte kinship@olivecrest.org o 714-361-4370
Open Arms Adoption Resource Group
Darren and Guiselle Scott (714) 599-4473
Orangewood Youth Center
The Orangewood Resource Center (ORC) is available to assist you with services needed to become independent. Our goal is to provide you with individualized guidance and assistance to help you live independently.
https://www.orangewood4you.org/
Saddleback Church
Join other adoptive, kinship, and foster parents for support, training, and encouragement as we learn how to better relate to our children and bring healing. We meet at three Saddleback Church campuses. We meet every Tuesday at 11am at the Lake Forest campus, every Saturday at 4pm at the Anaheim campus, the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Rancho Capistrano campus, and every 4th Saturday at the San Clemente campus.
https://saddleback.com/care/supportgroup/Adoption-Kinship-Foster-Care-Support-Group
The Nest Family Therapist
Contact Us
Martine Wehr, JD
Director, Foster and Kinship Care Education
(949) 582-4217
mwehr@saddleback.edu
FKCE Program Office
(949) 582-4884
scfkce@saddleback.edu
FKCE Bilingual - Spanish
(949) 348-6275
rnava14@saddleback.edu