Resources for Providers

The Children's Residential licensing programs provide short-term or long-term care for children who are no longer able to live with their parents or guardians. Please click on the link for the list of Children's Residential facility types.

Getting Started

If you are interested in obtaining a California license to operate a community care facility, you must first attend an orientation. For more information, please click on this link, Register for an Orientation, or you may call the regional office nearest you.

How to Become Licensed or Approved
Map of Children's Residential Regional Offices
Forms and Publications
Translated Forms and Publications
Licensing Fees

Background Check Information

The California Health and Safety Code requires a background check of all applicants, licensees, adult residents, volunteers under certain conditions and employees of community care facilities who have contact with clients. If the California Department of Social Services finds that an individual has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the individual cannot work or be present in any community care facility unless they receive a criminal record exemption from the Community Care Licensing Division, Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB). CPMB also examines arrest records to determine if there is a possible danger to clients. For more information visit the CPMB website.
 

Information and Resources

The Community Care Licensing Division continues to strengthen and enhance our program including the commitment to educate our providers with helpful information.

2026 Regional Office Provider Meetings Schedule
Administrator Certification Bureau
All County Letters and Notices
Health and Safety Information
Mandated Reporter Training
Other Links and Partner Agencies
Provider Information Notices
Technical Support Program (TSP) Resource Guide for Providers