Who Are Resource Care Providers?
Resource care providers are people who are committed to making a difference in the life of a child and their family. Resource care providers provide a stable and supportive environment for children and youth who need a temporary family to live with while their parents work with our agency and community services to reestablish a safe home environment. The goal is to strengthen a child/youth’s family so they can return home as soon as possible.
Resource care providers have a significant role in supporting the reintegration of children and youth back to their families. The ability to parent collaboratively with a child/youth’s parents is crucial for a healthy, safe return to family.
Resource care providers come from a variety of backgrounds and can be single, living common-law, married, and with or without children of their own. They range in age, cultural, ethnic, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientation.
There are many reasons people decide to foster. For some there is a personal connection: they either knew someone who was in foster care as a child or perhaps know someone who is a resource care providers. Often, people think about fostering for years before they find themselves in a position to take the next step. Sometimes, fostering presents itself when a child is known to a family and in need of a safe and stable home. Regardless of the reason, if you are able to open your home to learning how to support families to continue to grow and be a safe, cohesive unit, then your help is needed.
If you are interested in becoming a resource care providers, please call us to learn more or email us at fosterinquiries@casoxford.on.ca.
Responsibilities of a Resource care provider:
- Provide a safe, secure, and nurturing home for children coming into the temporary care of the Children’s Aid Society while the child’s parents work to resolve issues
- Help children maintain connection and relationship with their parents and people who are important to the child
- Support children and help them stay connected to their community, school, and family
- Participate in planning for their care
Resource care provider may be:
- Single adults, common-law or married couples, same-sex partners
- People without children
- Families just beginning to raise their own children
- ‘Empty-nesters’
- Experienced parents or people who have never had children
- Adults who have professional skills or special childcare training
- Those working outside the home or stay-at-home adults
Resource care providers often:
- Like spending time with children and place high value on parenting
- Have an understanding of children, their development, and their needs
- Enjoy learning
- Have an optimistic and positive life view
- Are patient and consistent, yet able to meet new challenges with flexibility