Because every child deserves
A loving family home
According to the most recent federal data, there are currently more than 430,000 children in the United States foster care system. They are entered through no fault of their own; removed from their parent’s care due to allegations of abuse, negligence or abandonment. Until their birth parents are able to complete the reunification requirements, these children will temporarily remain in the custody of the state.
The California foster care system alone is home to more than 65,000 of these children. Although reunification is the ultimate goal of foster care; only a little more than half of the youth who go into the system are actually returned to their birth parents or families. In fact, on average it can take a family in crisis 1 - 2 years before reunification with their children is even possible.
Los Angeles, ca
The Original Guardians Headquarters
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REVEREND RALPH E. BUTLER
How Guardians of Love began
OUR FOUNDERS STORY
Guardians of Love was founded by Reverend Ralph E. Butler and his wife Ruth in 1997. Rev. Butler wanted to continue to serve the population he was most passionate about; children. While working as an administrator with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), he was very disheartened with the treatment foster youth received during enrollment. Less than 24 hours prior these very same children had just faced one of the most difficult experiences imaginable; being removed from their families.
— OUR AGENCY STATS —
From 1997 through 2020
26
active years
in business
7900
at risk foster
youths placed
1200
lifelong adoptive
families created
FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT
Make a real difference
CHOOSE FOSTER CARE
Foster care is the temporary placement of abused or neglected children with families outside of their own home. The primary goal of foster care is to provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment for a child. Resource parents do this in part by providing basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter but most importantly help children to feel accepted, loved and valued.
FOSTER KINSHIP PLACEMENT
Keep family in the home
CHOOSE FOSTER kinship
Foster Kinship refers to the care, nurture and protection of children by relatives or significant adults when children cannot stay in their own home because of child protection concerns. What many people don’t realize is that a kinship placement does not always have to be a relative. Anyone who has a relationship with the child and his or her family can be considered a kinship placement.
By maintaining family, cultural or community ties, Foster Kinship helps the child through the experience of being out of the parental home. It is the oldest form of family preservation and an important safety net for children whose parents are either unable or unwilling to care for them.
ADOPTION SERVICES
Family is everything, but the way people get there is different. For thousands of hopeful parents, the domestic adoption process is the path to a life of joy and love. Many individuals, couples, and families consider adoption because they genuinely have a desire to provide a family for a child.
Create a lifelong family
CHOOSE ADOPTION
Perhaps they already have biological children, they are struggling with infertility or they simply want to expand their family in a new way. Whatever the reason, if you have a clear, pure desire to become the family for a child then adoption may be the right path for you!
our raving reviews
Just a few of
"My husband and I took RFA classes with Andrea. She was so awesome. She made all the classes fun and explained everything in such a great manner there was no confusion. She also made herself available after class for questions which I thought was just so sweet because she does have her own case load. I'm grateful for the things I've learned, thank you."
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— ANGELA A.—
Guardians Resource Parents