FamilyStatus: Activechild careOtherStatewide

Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children

by California Department of Social Services

A time-limited child-care voucher and navigator help for foster and emergency placements. Not an entitlement.

What you can get

Time-limited child-care voucher for eligible foster placements

The Bridge Program is a time-limited bridge to longer-term child care. Counties opt in. Initial vouchers are generally 6 months and may be extended. Apply through county child welfare or a local resource and referral agency.

Overview

A time-limited child-care voucher and navigator help for foster and emergency placements. Not an entitlement.

Who may qualify

  • The voucher is for an eligible child.

Location / service area

Statewide in California

How to apply

Use the official application or program page. Confirm current instructions with the administrator before you apply.

Preapproval required

Important things to know

Last verified: Sep 6, 2026 · Confidence: High

Official sources

Not sure what you qualify for?

Check your eligibility. We’ll compare your answers with published program rules.

Eligibility is based on published program information and the details you provide. Program rules, funding and availability can change. Always confirm eligibility with the official program administrator.