The Bridges Foster Care Program is designed to offer critical support to families and children involved in the foster care system. This initiative is structured around three core components, each aimed at providing different yet interconnected forms of assistance. Let’s explore these components in detail to understand how the Bridges Foster Care Program works to strengthen families and ensure children in foster care receive the care they need.
Emergency Child Care Vouchers: Immediate Support for Families
One of the key elements of the Bridges Foster Care Program is the provision of Emergency Child Care Vouchers. These vouchers are designed to help families manage the often-immediate costs of child care. Specifically, these are available for children from birth through age 12 who are in the foster care system. Youth with exceptional needs can also be eligible up to age 21.
These vouchers are initially issued for a six-month period. Following this initial period, they can be renewed for an additional six months, providing up to a year of support. The goal is to provide stability until the child can be successfully enrolled in long-term, subsidized child care arrangements. In certain compelling situations, and at the discretion of the county administering the program, eligibility for these vouchers can even be extended beyond the initial 12-month period, offering further assistance to families navigating the foster care system.
It’s important to note that all vouchers provided through the Bridges Foster Care Program adhere to the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings established for subsidized child care payments. This ensures fair and consistent payment rates across the program. Counties have the flexibility to issue these vouchers directly or to partner with local Alternate Payment Programs (APPs) and/or Resource and Referral Programs (R&R Programs) to streamline the distribution and management of these crucial funds.
Child Care Navigator: Guiding Families Through Child Care Options
Navigating the child care landscape can be complex, especially for families involved in foster care. The Bridges Foster Care Program addresses this through its Child Care Navigator component. These navigators, who are experts employed by local R&R Programs, play a vital role in assisting eligible families. They work directly with families and other authorized individuals to evaluate child care options that best suit the child’s age and specific needs. A significant part of their role is to provide comprehensive consumer education, empowering families to make informed decisions about child care.
The services of a Child Care Navigator are broadly available. They are accessible not only to children currently in foster care but also to children who have previously been in foster care and have returned to their home of origin. Furthermore, these services extend to children whose parents are involved with the child welfare system, recognizing the wider circle of families that can benefit from expert guidance in child care.
Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching: Enhancing Child Care Provider Skills
Recognizing the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, the Bridges Foster Care Program includes a vital component focused on Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching. This aspect of the program is specifically designed for child care providers. Through the program, providers gain access to specialized training and coaching that equips them with practical strategies for effectively working with children who have faced traumatic experiences.
The curriculum for this training was developed by The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, a recognized leader in the field. They also manage the delivery of this training, certifying trainers within local R&R Programs. While the certification and use of this designated curriculum are strongly encouraged for all R&R Programs participating in the Bridges Foster Care Program, it ensures a consistent and high standard of trauma-informed care across the state.
Bridge Program Stipends for Child Care Providers
In addition to the core components focused on families and children, the Bridges Foster Care Program also acknowledges and supports the vital role of child care providers. Providers who serve children receiving Bridge Program child care subsidies may be eligible for subsidized child care stipends. These stipends can be accessed through a county or an Alternative Payment Program (APP).
These stipends are available to various types of child care providers, including Centers, Family Child Care Homes, and License-Exempt Providers (often referred to as Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN) Providers). The primary intention behind these stipends is to offer financial relief to child care providers. This support is particularly important in addressing ongoing challenges such as reduced enrollment, the need for increased teacher-to-child ratios, the costs associated with enhanced cleaning protocols, and various other financial pressures that providers face, especially in recent times.
For those seeking more detailed information about these stipends, a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is available, offering further clarity and guidance.
For any further inquiries regarding the Bridge Program and its various components, please reach out to the Child Care Programs Bureau directly at [email protected]. They can provide additional information and support to help you understand and access the resources available through the Bridges Foster Care Program.
