

Most Frequently Viewed Resources





Information and guides about all parts of the adoption process and system for children, families, parents, and others.

An advocate for foster youth.


All non-biological parents still need an adoption (or parentage judgment from acourt), even if you are married and even if you are listed as a parent on the birthcertificate. New simplified adoption process to protect parentage. How it works. What forms do we need to fill out? Do we need an attorney? What if we don"t qualify for this simplified process?


The official CA DSS page for the AAP.

The process varies depending on the origin country.

What is Dependency? How can LSC help you? Can anyone other than Child Protective Services file a dependency petition? What happens next after Child Protective Services files a dependency petition? What if I am already in foster care and have questions? What if I am already in foster care and a Non-Minor Dependent (over the age of 18)? What if I have questions about AB12 or Higher Education? What if I exited foster care after the age of 18 but I want to come back in?

Getting a social security number for a child.

This resource guide was designed to answer basic legal questions related to marriage, domestic partnerships, parenting, foster care, and youth issues.

Alphabetical Listing of Resources

What is California's definition of special needs? What are the eligibility criteria for California's adoption assistance program? What is the maximum amount a family may receive in non-recurring adoption expense? Does California enter into deferred adoption assistance agreements? What types of postadoption services are available? What mental health services are provided? What is California's process for applying for a fair hearing?

This guide explains what you need to do if you were adopted, you think you are Native American, you live in California and/or were born in California, and you want to enroll in your tribe.

A 1993 international agreement to certify and accredit the process.

Legal parentage, second-parent adoption, parentage judgments, custody, and parenting agreements.

Family changes: birth or adoption, domestic partnership, marriage or divorce, or personal information changes; name or address changes; employment changes: leave of absence, leaving calpers membership, retirement, returning to work, or death/illness/injury; death or terminal illness: injury/disability

Find information about a state's laws and policies.