San Bernardino Foster Families Seek Support Amid Agency Closures

Foster families in San Bernardino County are seeking stable and practical support from foster family agencies as multiple California-based organizations have shut down due to insurance-related issues. These closures have reduced placement options for children statewide, leading county families to prioritize dependable, long-term support systems to maintain caregiving stability.

The local provider, Knotts Family Agency, offers training, respite, and reimbursement programs to address this demand. The broader trend has seen approximately 29 agencies across 13 counties cease operations since 2024, following a major insurer's decision to stop renewing policies for the sector. San Bernardino County also faces a shortage of emergency housing for youth with complex needs, with caregiver uncertainty about the approval process identified as a recurring barrier to recruitment.

Knotts Family Agency, with over 30 years of experience serving California families, aims to support foster parents through its "Parent Delight" philosophy. This model treats foster parents as long-term partners and addresses common barriers such as process uncertainty, time commitments, and financial pressures. Core offerings include in-person training and mentorship, which may qualify for additional stipends, and respite care services that offer families a structured way to explore fostering.

The organization also provides higher reimbursement rates that often exceed state minimums, with specialized programs potentially allowing up to $6,000 per month for one child. Knotts Family Agency has focused on targeted programs for higher-needs placements and offers foster parents access to specialized psychologists or counselors experienced in the challenges of caregiving. The agency is CARF-accredited and a member of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.