Foster Care

Why Children Enter Foster Care

Children and youth may enter foster care for many reasons, including experiences of neglect, abuse, or exploitation. In some cases, parents or relatives are unable to provide the level of care needed. In others, remaining in the birth home places the child at significant risk. Most children who come to Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services face a combination of these circumstances, requiring immediate safety and stability.

Nuevo Amanecer Latino partners with child welfare agencies across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties to serve children and youth in need. Our mission is to help them find stability, growth, and success—no matter their circumstances.

Children and youth are placed in safe, nurturing homes with trained resource parents who are committed to supporting their journey. Each child is assigned a dedicated social worker who provides individualized case management, meeting regularly with both the child and the family to ensure services are well-coordinated. Social workers also collaborate with resource parents, child and family teams, and community programs to address behavioral and social challenges in a supportive way.

At Nuevo Amanecer Latino, we set achievable goals, provide continuous encouragement, and celebrate every milestone. Our focus is on helping children and youth overcome obstacles and build brighter, stronger futures.

How We Make a Difference

At Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services, permanency is at the heart of foster care. We believe every child deserves the chance to belong to a family and grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. Our goal is to create lasting family connections through reunification, kinship care, or placement with dedicated foster families. We keep siblings together or ensure regular visitation to preserve those important bonds when possible.

> Return Home:

Whenever possible, children are reunited with their birth parents once the family has completed services and resolved the challenges that led to placement. This outcome reflects our belief in strengthening families and restoring connections.

> Independence:

For youth preparing for adulthood, independence becomes the goal. Transitional-age youth may remain in care until age 21 as non-minor dependents, giving them time to develop life skills and confidence. We prepare these young people for self-sufficiency and a brighter future through mentoring and supportive planning.

Becoming a Resource Parent

The Role of Resource Parents

At Nuevo Amanecer Latino, resource parents are at the heart of our mission. These dedicated caregivers bring stability, hope, and encouragement into the lives of children and youth who need it most.

Our resource parents provide safe and nurturing family environments while working closely with the child and family team, schools, and community partners. With specialized training and ongoing support, they ensure every decision is made with the best interests of children and youth in mind.

Steps to Becoming a Resource Parent

1. Contact Nuevo Amanecer Latino’s recruiting counselor.
2. Complete the initial application packet.
3. Obtain DOJ, FBI, and child abuse clearances.
4. Attend 32 hours of orientation training.
5. Complete CPR and First Aid certification.
6. Fulfill additional requirements and paperwork as needed.
7. Participate in a family evaluation (SAFE Home Study).

Resource Parent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services (NALCS) supports teen parents and their non-dependent children through the Whole Family Foster Homes (WFFH) program. The purpose of this program is to strengthen young families by providing services that promote safety, responsibility, and independence.

Program Services and Support

Our WFFH program offers both young mothers and fathers resources designed to help them succeed as parents, including:

• Guidance to ensure teen parents can safely care for and supervise their children
• Support to build stronger families while fostering independence
• Skill development to create safe, stable, and permanent homes
• Individualized attention tailored to the needs of each young parent and child
• Coaching on daily life skills, problem-solving, personal responsibility, and healthy relationships
• Connections to caring adults, mentors, and community resources
• Education about extended foster care as a potential option

Our Goal

The ultimate goal of WFFH is to teach young parents responsibility while equipping them with the tools to become self-sufficient. By empowering parents to provide safe, nurturing homes, we help break the cycle and reduce the likelihood that their children will enter the foster care system.

The California Fostering Connection to Success ACT (AB12)

Non-Minor Dependent

Extended Foster Care for Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs)

California was one of the first states to expand foster care under federal law, offering continued support to youth beyond age 18. With the passage of the California Fostering Connections to Success Act (AB12) on January 1, 2012, foster youth gained the option to remain in care until age 20.

At Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services (NALCS), we provide comprehensive services for Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) by placing them with resource parents who are trained to teach and guide young adults. The goal is to help NMDs gain the skills, confidence, and resources needed to live independently and successfully.

Services Include:

• Education support and guidance
• Career development opportunities
• Health and safety assistance and referrals
• Access to mentoring connections
• Training in daily life skills
• Financial literacy and resource guidance
• Housing referrals and placement support

Our Goal

We aim to empower young adults to transition into adulthood with confidence and self-sufficiency. By building skills in education, career, and independent living, NMDs are better prepared to meet their own needs for food, shelter, income, and overall well-being.