Foster care is one of the most important services provided in the state of California. Children without a stable place to live are at great risk, and through foster care, it’s possible to reduce that risk and give them a viable path toward a brighter future. If you would like to become a resource parent in California, you would be doing something that is of great service to your community. Let’s look at some of the challenges and opportunities currently facing the system. 

A Couple of Primary Challenges

Given the sheer size and population of the state of California, having enough qualified foster parents and homes to care for the many children in need is an ongoing struggle. Those who do wish to become a resource parent in California and are able to meet the requirements of the program are helping to add to the supply of resources and take some of the strain off of the system. Also, along a similar line, the instability of placements within the foster system is a frequent challenge, as it’s best to keep a foster child in the same home for as long as possible. Changing homes and foster parents regularly can take a difficult toll on a young person who has already been through many struggles in their early years. 

Seeing Big Opportunities

There is no doubt that plenty of challenges exist for everyone involved in foster care, but there are also some wonderful opportunities waiting to be unlocked. For example, educational programs that help young people in this situation can give them a chance to succeed both as children and when they move into adult life. By investing time, effort, and money into educational advocacy, academics can be a promising way to make the most out of a difficult situation. Anyone who wants to become a resource parent in California will not only be providing a fundamental service, but will also be laying the groundwork for life-changing learning to take place. 

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, contact Children First Foster Family Agency or apply to become a resource parent. 

Children First FFA is a private, non-profit organization in Northern California that is dedicated to helping change lives by providing a safe place for children to heal in a culture of love, acceptance, and consistency.