Becoming a Resource Parent

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Thank you for taking the first step in learning more about our Foster/Resource Parent Program! Children of all age groups come into foster care for many different reasons, some alone and others with siblings. Delaware County Resource Parents help the agency provide temporary substitute care for children when it becomes necessary to ensure their safety, sense of security and to provide for their basic needs and wellbeing. They provide a safe, stable home until the children are able to return home. When that is not possible, resource families may become the child’s alternate permanent family through adoption or continue to take care of the child until an alternate permanent family can be identified.


Why Are you Important?

The agency tries to reduce the stress of foster care placement by looking for resources that will help maintain children in their own community because:

Resource families in Delaware County help children maintain ties to their community and things familiar.

Children are able to stay in their school district, which prevents or reduces a disruption to their learning. When children cannot be placed together, Resource families in Delaware County help the agency maintain children near their siblings, which allows for easy visiting among siblings, friends and family.

Resource families in the County help provide better opportunities for creative visitation with parents, which keeps parents engaged in the reunification process.


Why Are You Needed?

Resource families are needed to provide a protective nurturing environment for infants, school age children and teens. Resource families are needed for infants, children or teens with special needs and for teen mothers and their children.


Qualifications

Resource parents can be married or single

Be at least 21 years old

With or without children of their own

Must be financially stable and able to meet their own needs

Have a home or apartment that meets the Department of Public Welfare’s standards

Must be willing to participate in a detailed personal interview and safety assessment of their living environment

Must complete and pass required child abuse, state police and FBI clearances

Must complete a medical assessment

Must complete pre-service trainings


Resource parents are part of the agency team and provide a short term commitment that can make a long term impact. If you believe that you can make a difference as a caregiver of a foster child, please contact Recruiter Dawn Berkley at 484-502-6644 or send an email to BerkleyD@delcohsa.org

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to speaking with you soon…