HOW TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

The Department of Children’s Services is seeking families in Los Angeles County to provide foster care for an estimated 25,000 children a year. Persons who want to be a foster parent may call (213) 418-2032 for the location of pre-application meetings nearest their home.

Minimum Requirements to Be a Foster Parent

Be at least 18 years of age, in good health and obtain a

tuberculosis test

Have a steady source of income

Be willing to accept children of any race or ethnic group

Have a home with several safeguards, such as a fire alarm

Provide a separate bed for each child

Be eligible for a state license

Where to Go for Information

Pre-application meetings, where recruiters answer questions and give a presentation about foster care, will be held in the following places:

Feb. 19 -- Norwalk Social Services Center, 11929 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk. Meetings are 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month.

Feb. 19 -- Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave., Whittier. Meetings are 1:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

Feb. 20 -- Grace Lutheran Church, 6714 Pine Ave., Bell. Meetings are 6 p.m. the third Friday of the month.

Feb. 23, March 14 and 23-- League of United Latin American Citizens-Long Beach Area Head Start, 500 East 4th St., Long Beach. Meetings are in Spanish at 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month and 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month.

Feb. 25 -- William J. Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., Lakewood. Meetings are 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month.

March 3 and 17 -- Compton Neighborhood Community Center, 600 N. Alameda Ave., Compton. Meetings are 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month in English and at 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in Spanish.

March 10 -- Fairfield YMCA, 4949 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach. Meetings are 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.

March 14 -- Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave., Lakewood. Meetings are 10 a.m. the second Saturday of the month.

Source: Los Angeles Department of Children’s Services