San Rafael, CA – As Marin County residents continue to shelter in place to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many parents are working from home while helping children with distance learning and coping with the crisis. Other parents are not working at all, victims of the economic downturn associated with the virus.
Marin averages 80 children in foster care, and nearly 30% of them are placed in homes outside of Marin because of a lack of Marin County resource families.The
Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appreciates the dedication of its
resource families that go above and beyond to support the most vulnerable youths, especially now. Marin County resource families face the additional challenge of supporting foster youths through these uncertain economic times. There are rising concerns about mental well-being in the community considering the combination of widespread financial hardship and personal isolation.
May is National Foster Care Month, a time to celebrate those who make a meaningful difference in the lives of youths in foster care to help ensure a bright future. The next orientation meeting for resource families is May 13.
Marin averages 80 children in foster care, and nearly 30% of them are placed in homes outside of Marin because of a lack of Marin County resource families. Marin HHS seeks more homes in Marin so these youths can be brought back to the community and the support systems they need.
Children enter into the child welfare system through no fault of their own and deserve to live in stable and loving homes. Every effort is made to keep foster children in their own community, to keep siblings together, and to create good matches between kids and families. To do that, HHS needs a larger, more diverse pool of potential homes. Resource families can provide temporary care to children while biological families work toward reunification or they can choose to be an adoptive family; both are needed.
Learn more about foster care at a monthly orientation meeting hosted by HHS’ Children and Family Services Division. A social worker and a resource parent co-facilitate the meetings and discuss the application process, training and support available, as well as answer questions. The next orientation will take place online on Wednesday, May 13, 7-8:30 p.m. For more information and to register for an orientation meeting, visit www.FosterOurFutureMarin.org or call Leslie Fields at 415-473-6418.