What does it take to be a resource parent?

Resource parents are people who find satisfaction in helping a child at a time when he or she really needs help. They understand that the child’s future is unknown. Resource parents have a genuine interest in children and a sympathetic understanding of children’s personalities and behaviors. They are able to give care, guidance, and affection, without expecting a positive response or gratitude from the child. Their encouragement of the child’s efforts and positive behavior builds the child’s confidence. Resource parents are prepared for behavioral problems. They set limits without using corporal punishment. Their ability to set rules that are fair, consistent and appropriate helps the child experience a sense of security. Resource parents work to minimize the disruption in the child’s life. This means transporting the child to school, church, and social activities that may be across town. Resource parents help the child stay in touch with the birth parents and other family members by taking him or her to regular visits. 


There are also appointments with professionals who help the child survive this difficult situation. The social worker coordinates the visits and appointments and arranges for transportation when the resource parent can not help with this. In working with social workers and other professionals, resource parents recognize that their own observations are valuable and they speak on behalf of the child. Yet, they must be patient when the professionals do not respond in the way or as quickly as the resource parent would like. Resource parents support the goal of giving every child and parent the opportunity to reunite. They see themselves as partners with the child’s parents and professionals in ensuring the child has a safe and loving home. Sometimes this means communicating with parents about how their child is doing in school, his health, and other aspects of daily life. Resource parents are not expected to communicate with every birth parent, however. 


The social worker will shield the resource parents from those birth parents who have not made the necessary changes to ensure their child’s safety or those who have been hostile towards the resource parents. Like having a baby, taking in a foster child changes everything in your family. All members of the family should be united in wanting to have a child in care in their home. For further information, contact us at 707-253-4761.

Show All Answers

1. What is resource parenting?
2. Why do some children need resource care?
3. What is “kinship care”?
4. What are children in foster care like?
5. What does it take to be a resource parent?
6. How do I know if resource parenting is right for me and my family?
7. How are children placed in homes?
8. What happens to children when they are first removed from their birth families?
9. How long will a child be in my home?
10. What if I want to adopt a child?
11. How long will I wait before a child comes to live with me?
12. May I choose the child I want?
13. Will I get to meet the child before he / she comes to live with me?
14. Will the birth parents know where I live?
15. Do I need to be married to be a resource parent? Can I be divorced and be a resource parent?
16. What about if I rent my home?
17. Am I too old to be a resource parent?
18. Can I be a resource parent if I am working?
19. Can a foster child go to church with us?
20. Do foster children need individual bedrooms?
21. What are the financial arrangements?
22. What is licensing?
23. What if I need help?
24. Will I ever get to see the children again?
25. I know a child who I might want to have live with me. What should I do?
26. Can I place a foster child in day care?
27. Why do I need to take classes before resource parenting? I know how to raise children.
28. What can I expect when the licensing social worker visits my home?
29. What safety requirements does my home have to meet?