Free foster parent certification classes in Palmdale

PALMDALE – An overwhelming response to its initial series of local certification classes has prompted Optimist Foster Family and Adoption Agency to add another series of classes for potential foster and adoptive parents.

The classes will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31 and April 7 and 14 at the agency’s Palmdale office, located at 520 W. Palmdale Blvd., Suite I.

Los Angeles County needs many more foster homes for children of all ages, according to Crystal L. Brackin, Assistant Executive Director of Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services.

“Unfortunately, the Antelope Valley area is typically even more underserved in many resource areas, this being one of them,” Brackin stated. “It’s best to keep the children within the communities they are familiar in order to keep them close to family and/or within their home school districts. As a result we need more homes in this area.”

Optimist is available to help local potential foster/adoptive parents through the certification process and provide support throughout the placement process. Optimist offers free training, support and compensation.

You can be a foster parent if you:

• Are at least 21 years old
• Are single, married or same sex partners
• Have enough room in your home for children
• Have no criminal record
• Have a driver’s license and an insured vehicle
• Have a stable income

Call (661) 272-4733 for more information or to sign up for the upcoming classes.

“Come to the class and let us answer your questions and show you how you can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child and your community,” Brackin stated.

Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services is a fully licensed foster care and adoption agency, with a main facility in Palmdale and offices in Highland Park. Social workers screen and train foster parents to match them with needy children. They also provide full adoption services when foster parents decide to become a forever family for the children in their care.

For more information, visit https://www.oyhfs.org.

–