RFA is a new family-friendly and child-centered caregiver approval process that combines elements of the current foster parent licensing, relative approval, and approvals for adoption and guardianship processes and replaces those processes. RFA:

• Is streamlined and eliminates the duplication of existing processes.
• Unifies approval standards for all caregivers, regardless of the child’s case plan.
• Includes a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, home environment check, and training for all families, including relatives.
• Prepares families to better meet the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system.
• Allows seamless transition to permanency.