Emergency Child Care Bridge Program

Some years back, my husband and I fostered our first baby. She was an adorable 8 month old girl and we were so excited to take care of her. The only challenge was that both of us worked full time. That meant we had to quickly find a safe daycare for her that was near our home or office.

After quite a bit of legwork and research, we were able to secure a spot for her at a great daycare near our home. The cost was $1550 per month. Although we were able to get some reimbursement by working with Bananas, we paid for most of it out of our pocket.  

When talking to another foster parent recently, I learned about the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program. The program was established in 2018 by the State, right after we had our placement, and provides a time-limited “bridge” to longer-term child care solutions.

The Bridge program has 3 major components:

  • Emergency Childcare Vouchers: Families may receive a time-limited voucher to assist with child care costs for children in the foster care system birth through age 12, and for youth with exceptional needs up to age 21. A voucher may be issued for an initial six-months, and then renewed for an additional six months, or until the child is successfully transitioned into long-term, subsidized child care. Reimbursement ceilings are published on this website: Reimbursement Ceilings for Subsidized Child Care – Child Development (California Dept of Social Services)
  • Child Care Navigator: The child care navigator works with the eligible family and others authorized to assess child care opportunities and provide consumer education based on the child’s age and needs.
  • Trauma Informed Care Training and Coaching: Through the Bridge Program, child care providers have access to trauma-informed care training and coaching.

Enrolling in the Program

To enroll in the program you need to ask your Social Worker to submit an application. Here is an example of the Alameda County Referral form.

To learn more about the Bridge Program, click here.

Author: T. Rejali with gratitude to Patty J for providing information about this resource

Annual Member Only Christmas Celebration and Bike Giveaway

On December 6, 2025, the Alameda County Foster Parent Association (ACFPA), in partnership with Presence City Church and New Life Church, hosted its annual member-only Christmas Walk-through event, bringing holiday joy to children and families across our community. A total of 243 children and their caregivers attended, enjoying a beautifully decorated space filled with festive cheer and warm hospitality.

Guests were welcomed into a magical holiday atmosphere, complete with the opportunity to take photos with Santa and hand in their holiday wish lists. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, the toy section was fully stocked with an impressive assortment of toys for all ages. Dedicated volunteers escorted each child through the area, helping them choose special gifts and fill large bags to take home.

Older children and teens were able to select gifts tailored to their interests and needs and received $50 gift cards, with over $6,000 in gift cards distributed during the event. In addition to toys, families could choose from a wide selection of new clothing for all ages, including brand new hoodies for older kids. The event also featured a crafts table where children created holiday decorations and heartfelt thank-you cards for ACFPA donors, adding a meaningful personal touch to the season of giving.

Following the Christmas event, 35 lucky kids received free, brand new bikes during the ACFPA member-only Bike Giveaway! As in previous years, Kids Bike Lane, a generous supporter of ACFPA, donated most of the beautiful bikes. Due to high demand, ACFPA provided additional new bikes for little ones and of course new helmets for all who received bikes.

As always, we are thankful for the many families who have opened their doors to care for children in our county. We wish everyone peace, good health and much joy in 2026.

Check the gallery for more photos of both events.

These events would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors and volunteers.

We are grateful to Presence City Church and New Life Church for hosting the event in their beautiful sanctuary, their wonderful volunteers and their donation of toys, gift cards, PJs, clothes and miscellaneous gifts.  

Additionally, our heartfelt thanks go out to the following individuals and organizations for their donations of bikes, toys, gift cards, clothing, blankets and much more:

Tonix Corporation, Kids Bike Lane, Project Linus, Laurel Ace Hardware, Joe Michell School, Jan Harvey, American Wholesale Lighting, Clorox, Sunset After School Program, Resonate Church of Hayward and Fremont, Ace Hardware Oakland, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, GraceWay Church, Toys for Tots, Montessori, Saints and Sinners, Paulette Gilkerson, Soniya Mehra and friends, Emily Otto.

Opportunity to Offer Host Housing

During a recent ACFPA meeting, staff from Beyond Emancipation presented their new Host Housing program and the opportunity for interested adults to apply to host a foster child who has aged out of the system in their homes.

Host Housing is a Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+) for eligible 18-24 year old young adults. It offers a unique opportunity for these young individuals to live with a supportive adult while receiving comprehensive coaching and case management services and working towards independent living.

Interested adults are matched with young adults and host them in their homes for a maximum of 36 months or until the participant’s 25th birthday. This host-participant relationship provides mentorship and stability as the participant navigates their journey toward independence.

Host Adults will receive additional training, orientation and ongoing support as well as a monthly $1000 stipend while hosting the participant.

Hosting Adult Requirements:

  • Must be at least 26 years old
  • Must be eager to be a supportive mentor
  • Must be financially stable
  • Must pass background checks
  • Must complete CPR and First Aid certification
  • Must be open to participant-host-coach collaboration

Living Space Requirements:

  • Have a room available that’s not being used for any other purpose
  • Home must meet basic health and safety standards
  • Home must be within a 50 mile radius from Beyond Emancipation’s office

Be a part of the support network a youth needs today. To learn more, please contact Host@beyondemancipation.org