Interested in providing care to relatives or neighbors? See below for responses to frequently asked questions and learn how to get started.
- What is Family, Friend, and Neighbor care?
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Family, Friend, and Neighbor care is care provided to a small number of children in the child’s home or in the home of the adult providing care. The adult can be a relative, friend, neighbor, babysitter, or nanny. The adult providing care does not need to be licensed by the state of California. Families often choose this type of care when they know or trust the caregiver.
- How many children can a Family, Friend, and Neighbor care for?
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A caregiver in the Family, Friend, and Neighbor network can care for relatives and the children of one other family.
- How do I begin offering care as a Family, Friend, and Neighbor?
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There are no state or local requirements to becoming a caregiver as part of the Family, Friend, and Neighbor network. However, some caregivers choose to register with TrustLine, California’s background check program. TrustLine uses a fingerprint check to confirm that caregivers have no disqualifying criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California. If a provider passes the background check, they are registered in the TrustLine registry that is available to the public. It is one tool families can use when choosing what care is best for their child.
To apply for a background check with TrustLine, providers complete a short application, submit fingerprints electronically, and pay a one-time fee of $135- $170. Exact fees are listed on the application form. "To request an application, call TrustLine at 1-800-822-8490 or visit the TrustLine website at http://trustline.org/ and select “Order Applications and Free Brochures” on the left hand side to get a free application mailed to your home."
Caregivers in the Family, Friend, and Neighbors network may also want to prepare for child care by ensuring their home is safe for young children, researching developmentally appropriate activities, and purchasing age-appropriate books and toys.