Foster Parent Association

A non-profit organization, working closely with the Department of Children & Family Services in their endeavor to assist at-risk children. These children, through no fault of their own, have been removed from their biological parents due to an inability to care for them. The children are from all races and ethnicities. When first taken from their families they are scared, frightened and confused. Many are infants with physical and mental handicaps due to prenatal exposure to drugs and/or alcohol. To some caregivers, Attention Deficient Disorder, Attachment Disorder, pulmonary problems, Cerebral Palsy, tracheostomies, speech delays, heart disease, Hyperactivity, HIV positive, are everyday words. Some have terminal illnesses. These special children have lifelong obstacles to climb and some will not be able to overcome their handicaps. We are here to help.

We offer:

• Support and assistance to foster care providers
• Monthly newsletter and agenda of meetings
• An opportunity to meet and network with other caregivers
• Training
• Assistance with allegations and grievances
• Up-to-date information
• Child advocacy
• Picnics and holiday parties
• Internet access

2nd Thursday of the month, 7:30 pm (7:00 pm when we have a guest speaker) at Chatsworth High School, 10027 Lurline, Rm. L80 .


Our goals are:

• Empower foster care providers to enhance the lives of at-risk children and optimize potentiality.
• To provide contact and exchange of ideas and information between persons involved in foster care
• Community involvement
• Public awareness
• Encourage and support continued education and training of caregivers
• Changes in laws that will enhance the rights of children
• Work as a team with the Department of Children & Family Services
• Grants

Membership is:

Foster parents, kinship, community members, resource organizations and all persons interested in assisting UCC reach it's goals.

Membership Fee:

$40 Single
$50 Couple
$50 Business Sponsorhip
$100 Corporate Sponsorship
$250 Corporate Gold Sponsorship (includes plaque).

            Make checks payable to:


United Community Caregivers
P.O. Box 4776
Chatsworth, CA 91313



Foster care issues:

Allegations in foster care can be a frightening experience. One of the best ways to avoid allegations is to know the laws and adhere to them. One of the most commonly broken law is corporal punishment. Please remember, a foster care provider, is not allowed to spank, hit or use corporal punishment of any kind. This includes a slap on the wrist to a toddler touching a "no no." A foster care provider may not deprive children of meals as punishment. Another commonly broken law is leaving children unattended in a car. Several foster parents have lost their licenses over this issue.

A common misnomer is that different foster care agencies have different rules. While policies may differ from agency to agency, state laws must be abided by all and cannot be altered by agency policy. Only through legislation may the laws be changed.

California Foster Parent Rights


Educational Advocacy


Placement Questions - a good reference to keep by the telephone when a social worker calls regarding the acceptance of a foster child.

Sample Bylaws for Foster Parent Associations