What is a Resource Parent?

How do I become a Resource Parent?

What is the difference between Sierra Vista and other agencies or the county?

How long does it take to become approved as a resource parent?

Who can be a Resource Parent?

Do I get financial assistance?

Can we have pets in the home?

Do I need to own a home to foster?

Is there a cost to becoming a Resource Parent?

Do I have to be married?

Can I only foster/adopt?

Can I transfer from another foster care agency to Sierra Vista?

I'm interested in making a donation to foster youth. What can I donate?

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What is a Resource Parent?

A Resource Parent is the new name for a Foster Parent, the terms are often used interchangeably. You must become an approved Resource Parent in order to foster or adopt with Sierra Vista Child & Family Services.

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How do I become a Resource Parent?

• Submit an application: The first step to becoming a foster or adoptive parent is to submit an application. The application process typically involves providing personal and family information, as well as details about your living situation, employment, and financial status.

• Complete a background check and receive a clearance: Foster and adoptive parents must pass a background check to ensure that they do not have a history of abuse or neglect.

• Attend orientation: Once the application and background check are complete, the prospective parent must attend an orientation session to learn more about the requirements and expectations of foster or adoptive parenting.

• Complete 12 hours of pre-approval training: Prospective parents must complete a pre-approval training program that typically involves 12 hours of coursework on various topics related to parenting children in foster care.

• Mandated Reporter Training: Prospective parents must also complete mandated reporter training, which teaches them how to recognize and report child abuse and neglect.

• CPR and First Aid certification: Foster and adoptive parents must have current CPR and first aid certification to ensure that they can respond to emergencies.

• Submit required paperwork: Prospective parents must submit various forms and documents, such as medical records, financial statements, and references.

• Have your home assessed for safety and compliance with regulations: A social worker will conduct a home assessment to ensure that the home is safe and complies with local regulations.

• Meet with a social worker who will complete a home study report about your family: A social worker will conduct a series of interviews with prospective parents and family members to assess their readiness to become foster or adoptive parents. The social worker will also complete a home study report that provides an assessment of the prospective parents' ability to provide a safe and nurturing home for a child.

 

Sierra Vista provides all of the services and training listed above.

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What is the difference between Sierra Vista and other agencies or the county?

Sierra Vista provides many opportunities to stay connected with your team and other resource parents. We provide ongoing training, support groups, and social and holiday events. We stay in frequent contact with you, and we have a social worker on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year to support you after hours as needed.

 

How long does it take to become approved as a resource parent?

It is dependent upon how quickly you complete training hours and submit the required documents.

 

Who can be a resource parent?

Beyond the basic qualifications, we look for applicants who have the ability, willingness, and resources to care for children who have experienced trauma. A resource parent needs to be consistent, reliable, caring, and open to learning. Resource parents must understand the importance of children’s cultural backgrounds, family connections, and any other needs due to their unique circumstances.

 

Do I get financial assistance?

Yes, after a child has been placed in your home you will receive a reimbursement check monthly. The amount you receive depends on the child’s level of care.

 

Can we have pets in the home?

Yes, pets need to be licensed and up to date with their rabies vaccines.

 

Do I need to own a home to foster?

No, we just need a copy of the rental agreement if you do not own a home.

 

Is there a cost to becoming a resource parent?

No, the entire process is free. We provide a background check, CPR certification, and training. The only cost that may arise is if you need to make modifications to your home to comply with licensing regulations, such as locks for cabinets, a first aid kit, or a pool fence.

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Do I have to be married?

You can be single, in a relationship, or married. If you are not married but live with your partner, they would need to have a cleared background check and be supportive of the process.

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Can I only foster/adopt?

You can foster, adopt, or be open to both, which is called being a concurrent family. It is the same process to become certified for fostering or adopting with Sierra Vista. Some families might become certified with the intention to adopt a child, while others may want to foster children temporarily while they move toward reunification with their biological parents or relatives.

 

Can I transfer from another foster care agency to Sierra Vista?

Yes, in most instances, this is possible.

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I'm interested in making a donation to foster youth, what can I donate?

There is always a need for donations for our foster and short-term residential therapeutic program children. We ask for donated items to be in new condition.

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Ongoing needed items:

• School Supplies

• Suitcases

• Backpacks

• Scrapbooks/Photo Albums

• Insulated Water Bottles

• Pajamas

• Blankets

• Books

• Art Supplies

• Toys/Activities

• Kitchen appliances and furniture for teens moving out on their own

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We also accept monetary donations and support towards our Every Child Has A Dream Scholarship.