Children are removed from their families for a number of different reasons. Sometimes there is abuse, neglect, poverty, homelessness or drugs. Other times a youth may have a disability or diagnosis a family is not prepared to handle. When a child is removed from a home they may face all kinds of challenges: academically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. They need a place to heal and grow - they need a foster home.
The goal of a foster home is to support the child, provide consistency, and teach behaviors that will allow them to find hope and happiness, and to succeed in life. As of July 1st, 2018, there are more than 900 youth in the foster system throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, many that would benefit from a foster home placement.
The demand for foster parents, often called resource parents, is high. There are too many youth in need and not enough foster parents to match them with. Fortunately, Casa Pacifica is here to help. Casa Pacifica offers shelter and treatment through their residential treatment and START programs, but they are also a Foster Family Agency which provides the training and support you need to change the course of a child’s life as a resource parent.
“We really want everybody to get the best possible experience from fostering.” said Casa Pacifica Case Manager & Clinician, Taj-Zsa Martin. In addition to the training and assessment, a key component of the resource parent process is “matching”, making sure the needs of the child match with what the foster family can provide. Once a parent is trained and a child is placed with them, the support doesn’t stop there.
“Once we prepare them, and all their training is done, we support them. I’m texting them, I’m calling them, I’m meeting with them, if they need that individual time. I’m providing that too…” said Martin.
Placement in a foster home can make a world of difference in a child’s life. Youth who spend time in a loving foster family have a better chance of succeeding at school, overcoming challenges, and developing strong relationships. Consider changing a child’s life and maybe even your own by becoming a resource parent today!
For more information on becoming a Casa Pacifica Resource Parent please visit https://www.casapacifica.org/programs_services/foster_parenting