Resource family recruitment and approval division welcomes families of all sizes, ages, racial backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientation, gender identities, domestic partnership status, medical status, disability status, national origins and beliefs to become resource families.
Be single, married, divorced, or living with a partner
Live in an apartment, house, and either rent or own
Be any race, ethnicity religion, sexual orientation or culture
During the family evaluation you may be asked about your background, parenting skills, strengths and weaknesses. You may also be asked about the results of the background checks.
If the caseworker or probation officer has concerns regarding your application, they should let you know that during the evaluation so you can discuss these concerns.
Common topics of discussion include:
Your motivation to become a resource family
Your relationship to the child
Your own childhood upbringing and experiences
Your own experiences and characteristics
Past and current alcohol and other substance use
Any history of physical or emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or domestic violence
Your past and present physical and mental health
Current and past marriages, partnerships and other significant relationships
Family traditions, beliefs and activities
How children are disciplined in your home
Your support system (neighbors, friends, religious communities, etc.)
The result of your background check including any previous arrests, convictions or child abuse referrals
Your current employment and work schedule, if applicable your ability to take time off
Your financial ability to provide stability for the family
The legal and financial responsibilities of caring for a child
Your understanding of the needs of a child who has been a victim of abuse and neglect, effective parenting skills, and cooperation with the placing agency providers and other important members of the child’s life
Your ability to meet the needs of the child, support permanency plans for the child( including reunification, guardianship, etc.) and make use of services to support the child