Resource parent Linda and her son are one of Marin’s fostering successes.
As Marin County transitions to a post-COVID-19 world, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expressing gratitude to anyone who supported local children in foster care and those who stepped up to start the process of becoming a resource parent during challenging times.
“I want to thank all of our Marin County resource parents because we would not be able to serve our community without the care they provide to our vulnerable youths,” Bree Marchman, director of HHS’ Children & Family Services Division said in a statement. “Those families have stepped up and committed their hearts and homes to foster youths during an unprecedented time of stress and uncertainty.”
The need for more families, especially teens, has been a constant prior to COVID-19. Marin averages 85 youths in foster care. As of early June, 40% of them, mostly teens, are placed in homes outside of Marin because of the lack of local resource families.
Anyone who has considered fostering may join Children & Family Services for an information meeting to learn more. The online meetings are held monthly, hosted by a social worker and a resource parent who discuss the application process, training and support available as well as answer questions. The next orientation will take place virtually at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9. Register at FosterOurFutureMarin.org.
Adults can volunteer with the Friends of the Family Program to provide support to resource families. Interested applicants will work with Children & Family Services and the Marin County Volunteers Program to become approved as a Friend of the Family. The assessment process varies depending on the level of involvement a prospective participant will have and may include a background check and an interview with a social worker.
For more information and to register for the June 9 or July 7 orientation meetings, visit FosterOurFutureMarin.org or call Leslie Fields at (415) 473-6418.
