At the Children’s Legacy Center (CLC), we believe that foster care can—and should—be done differently. Our Foster Family Agency (FFA), operating under the CLC, is dedicated to equipping foster parents to excel in their roles. Through comprehensive training and unique support from both professionals and peers, we empower foster families to be their best in caring for the children and youth entrusted to them. We recognize the specific needs of these children, and our philosophy places them at the heart of all decisions. At the same time, we are committed to deeply supporting the families who open their hearts and homes to make a lasting difference in these young lives.
Foster families in California are now called resource families to reflect their broader role in providing various types of care and support, including foster, adoptive, and kinship care, under a unified approval process. We’re reimagining foster care by building a community of resource families that focuses on nurturing healing through meaningful connections and relationships, extending far beyond just providing a safe place to sleep.
Our approach is not only about finding a home for a child; we focus on finding the right home, where every child feels seen, heard, and understood. As Sarah, our Director of Residential and Family-Centered Care shared, “Foster care is about so much more than providing a bed; it’s about ensuring that each child feels like a true part of the family—because they are, no matter how long they stay. We take pride in being highly responsive to our resource families, offering accessible, meaningful, and tangible support because they are family to us, and to each other.”
Our philosophy centers around the power of community. Through our "Fostering in Community" model, we form small, close-knit groups of 4-6 resource families, guided by an experienced Bridge Family. These families meet regularly, support each other, and offer both planned and crisis respite care, ensuring no family or child faces this journey alone. We recognize the intensity of foster care and the complexities of relationships, and we value giving children and families the space to breathe, process, and grow.
To us, respite is not simply a break; it creates an opportunity to establish healthy boundaries, teach children how to safely step back when overwhelmed, and provide them with a "soft place to land" whenever needed. Through these actions, we cultivate a supportive environment where everyone feels secure and understood, regardless of the challenges they face. This approach builds trust and belonging, one family at a time.
“We want every child and youth to know they are not only safe – but they belong, and their voice matters,” says Sarah. “Our model mimics the natural rhythm of extended family, where everyone has a role, a voice, and a community they can rely on.”
The Bridge Families play an instrumental role in fostering a sense of belonging and stability, organizing monthly activities and maintaining close contact with the resource families to offer guidance, mentorship, and support. This proactive approach prevents placement disruptions and helps both children and families thrive.
The CLC’s FFA also emphasizes transparency, integrity, and respect in all its interactions. “We communicate with intention and honesty, making sure everyone involved feels heard and valued,” Sarah adds. “We are passionate about creating a culture where tough conversations can happen in a way that feels safe and respectful, always keeping the resource family and child’s well-being at the center.”
In every decision, every conversation, and every step, we are guided by hope—hope for healing, for connection, for a future where every child feels safe and cherished. At the CLC’s Foster Family Agency, we are committed to walking alongside our families and children, celebrating every victory, and providing unwavering support through every challenge.
Our resource families know that they are not alone. As one resource parent shared, “I’ve never felt so supported in my life. There’s always someone to talk to, always someone who understands. I truly feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
We believe in the adaptability of the human brain, the resiliency of the human spirit, and the healing power of loving healthy relationships. At the CLC, fostering is not just about providing a home— it truly is about nurturing hope. If you have considered becoming a resource family or want to learn how to be part of this mission, we invite you to join us. At the CLC, we believe every child deserves more than just a safe place—they deserve a future filled with promise and healing.
****
Community support and understanding are vital to the missions of One SAFE Place and Children’s Legacy Center. The services we provide are more than just resources and temporary refuge; they are a lifeline for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after the devastation of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. By helping to educate individuals about the trauma those we serve endure and the complex journey they face towards healing and stability, we foster a more compassionate community that stands together against abuse.
Your involvement, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, directly impacts the lives of those seeking safety and a fresh start. Together, we can be the supportive network that transforms hope into reality, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors knows they are not alone and that brighter days are ahead.
