Aviva Family & Children’s Services has been grappling with an alarming development threatening Foster Family Agencies (FFAs) across California. Since 1988, Aviva has played a critical role in providing safe, nurturing homes for children in the foster care system. However, the stability of our programs—and the futures of thousands of vulnerable children—hangs on an unfolding insurance crisis.

The Crisis at Hand

Earlier this year, the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC), the primary insurer for 90% of FFAs across the state, announced that it might cease renewing policies for FFAs due to rising industry
liabilities. This change, initially expected in 2025, is happening faster than anticipated. Some agencies have already received non-renewal notices effective as early as October 2024. For Aviva, our policy
renewal deadline is November 1, leaving us little time to find solutions.

The implications of this crisis extend far beyond our agency. The potential collapse of California’s foster family system could displace approximately 1,800 children in LA County alone and over 9,000 children currently in resource family homes statewide. Resource family homes provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children in foster care and are a critical component in our state child welfare
system in keeping children safe. The loss of experienced FFAs like Aviva would intensify the already severe placement crisis in LA County. This could lead to a shortage of safe, stable homes for children, resulting in long-term trauma and instability, and would likely exacerbate LA County’s homeless crisis.

What’s at Stake

Aviva’s FFA program has been a beacon of hope for countless children and families. We have facilitated thousands of adoptions, helping children in the child welfare system find permanent, loving homes. Our 42 resource families, many of whom care for more than one child, receive comprehensive support from our dedicated team, who are available 24/7 to ensure the safety and well-being of every child.

Aviva’s FFA received the Human Rights Campaign “Innovator” Seal of Recognition, which signifies our program as innovative in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families through our inclusive services since 2017.

“The stakes are incredibly high. LA County is already experiencing a decline in resource parents, making the need for FFAs more critical than ever. The loss of experienced FFAs would exacerbate the
vulnerability of children and youth across LA County and the state, with effects that could be felt for generations.”
– Amber Rivas, President & CEO, Aviva Family & Children’s Services.

The potential loss of insurance coverage would affect not only the lives of these children but also the workforce and families who have dedicated their lives to supporting children in foster care.

Call to Action

Aviva is actively working to address this crisis, but we cannot do it alone. We are calling on local and state legislators and Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration to immediately stabilize the insurance
market and provide emergency bridge funding to prevent program closures. Much like the state’s response to the homeowner’s insurance crisis, we need leaders to step up and protect foster youth by ensuring FFAs like Aviva can continue their essential work.

How You Can Help

As supporters of Aviva Family & Children’s Services, your voice is crucial in this moment of crisis. We ask you to join us in advocating for the protection of foster youth by contacting your local representatives and urging them to prioritize the needs of FFAs. You can find your representative’s contact information here and tell them to take immediate action.

Together, we can ensure that Aviva and other agencies across California can continue their life-changing work, providing stability, safety, and love to the children who need it most.

To learn more about this crisis, check out this opinion piece from The Sacramento Bee.

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Priscilla Valencia, VP of Development at [email protected]