The Gift of Being a Resource Parent

By Molly Brown, in partnership with ODHS

Did you know that per the ODHS Child Welfare Data Book an average of over 6,000 children were in foster care daily in 2020? Many of these children experience disabilities. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) strives to find supportive temporary homes with the end goal of family reunification. FACT Oregon is joining ODHS in this important work, and we want to tell you more about how you can help.

ODHS has recently adopted a shift in language in referring to the foster care system that is helpful to understand. After hearing from families and youth who received or provided support through this system, ODHS is moving away from the language of “foster parent” and “foster family” to “resource parent” and “resource family”. This shift better communicates the purpose of the foster care system as a resource to children temporarily in need of stable housing for a wide variety of reasons. In the disability community, we know our language choices are critically important, and FACT Oregon supports this shift.

One in every five people experience disability, and it’s even higher in the foster care system. Many of the children supported experience disability at the intersection of other identities such as race, class, native language, and more. As children navigate the transition to a resource home, they and their resource families must navigate special education services, medical concerns, behavioral health/mental health needs, and more. Finding supportive temporary homes with individuals who have lived experience supporting children with disabilities can make a huge and positive difference for these kids. 

FACT Oregon recently spoke with one resource parent whose experience as a pediatric nurse working with youth who experience disability or specific healthcare needs made her a potential fit as a resource parent. She was looking for a way to grow her involvement in the lives of these kids and chose to become a resource parent specifically to children experiencing disability. She says, “I can’t think of many things more rewarding”. This truth has buoyed her through the past 14 years of emotional highs and lows as a resource parent. 

Her journey wasn’t always easy, and there were times when she needed additional support. FACT Oregon is a resource that can be relied on in times of need. Our support line and trainings, as well as other peer support groups, attorneys, and ODHS certifiers are here to offer support when navigating the journey of resource parent. “You are not alone. All you need is a willingness to learn” she says, and opportunities to learn and feel supported are abundant. With FACT Oregon’s On-Demand trainings about the IEP process, transition to kindergarten, behavior in school and more and our parent led support line, resource parents don’t have to feel alone on the journey. Certifiers are also amazing resources who can answer questions and connect you with peer support groups, training opportunities, and more.  “Support is out there for you, and people are anxious to help. This peer-to-peer support can be an amazing way to build community and connections with other parents and resource parents”. 

How Can You Get Involved?

Inspired to learn more about becoming a resource parent or curious about other ways to get involved? Visit the ODHS website, Foster Care page to learn more about the foster care system, how to become a resource parent, trainings and resources available to families, and how to  connect with your local  ODHS office. It’s also a great place to start for individuals who don’t feel quite ready to become a resource parent but still want to get involved. You can also call 800-331-0503 anytime to be connected to your local ODHS office.