Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services
For over a century, OYHFS has been dedicated to helping children in and at-risk of foster care achieve success at home, at school, and beyond.
In response to the fragmented services experienced by many children in the child welfare system, OYHFS provides a full continuum of care that supports children over time, across all levels of care, and into adulthood with a focus on emotional wellness, reliable relationships, educational attainment, and career pathways, all building blocks for a bright future!
MISSION: To support children/youth, and their families, in and at-risk of foster care, to build hope and achieve bright futures through wellness, education, relationships, and career focused services and resources.
VISION: Optimist envisions a world where all children, young adults, and families have the opportunity to receive the care and support they need to succeed.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
Many do not realize the need for new resource families in California. The number of foster kids outnumber the foster families who can provide short or long-term care. Foster advocates work hard to find places for these children, but it is not easy.
The latest 2021 report from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) report in California says there are:
- 47,871 kids in California's foster care system
- 22,892 who entered foster care
- 15,386 foster kids awaiting adoption
- California foster kids across all ages, with a median of 8 years
- 33% whose foster child case plans include adoption
A child's median time in the California foster care system is over a year at 16.8 months. 13% spend 3-4 years in foster care.
California needs foster parents to take in multiple children if they have the time and energy to care for them. Sibling groups often need care, and it is essential to support these family bonds. In California, it is challenging to find homes for teenagers, though they need stable environments and reliable adults to support them.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Aug 06, 2020
Amazing workers, will do everything to make things easier for you!!
Feb 11, 2020
Helpful staff
Dec 11, 2019
If your trying to become a Foster parent don’t choose Optimist. Don’t waste your time or money starting the process with them. They have poor communication skills and an unprofessional Director. You should have support before, during and after the process and they don’t do that.
Sep 24, 2019
Racist place stay away if you are a minority. They play major game and are very dishonest people. Now I see why they get audited all the time
Aug 27, 2018
Amazing place!!!every employee is awesone I can't say enough good things about them.