Becoming a foster parent can seem like a daunting task, but with the help of agencies like Angels Foster Family Network, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Angels is always looking for qualified individuals and families to care for one child or sibling set at a time until reunification or other permanency can be established. As a private foster family agency, Angels works together with the Child Welfare Services Department of the County of San Diego. This means that they are able to offer an unparalleled level of support to their resource parents with low case levels for their case mangers, thus having the ability to give families the attention they deserve.
One of the great things about Angels is that they provide all of the training and support that you need in order to become a successful foster parent. This includes everything from CPR and First Aid certification, to help with understanding the court system, and how to work with and utilize all of the services and resources provided by both the County and Angels Foster. In addition, the agency offers monthly support groups and periodic trainings on different topics related to fostering, parenting, and navigating the role of a resource parent.
Angels Foster’s Call for Foster Parents
The need for foster parents is overwhelming and continuing to grow. In San Diego County, there are nearly 3,000 children in the foster care system and over 50% of them are under the age of 5. Angels Foster Family Network specializes in this age group as they are the most vulnerable.
Children in this age group often experience abuse and neglect, which can have long-term consequences if not addressed and handled with trauma-informed care. That's why it's so important to have qualified and loving resource parents who can provide a safe and stable home for these kids.
Resource Parent or Foster Parent?
In recent years, we’ve started to use the term “resource parent” instead of “foster parent” because a foster parent is a valuable resource not only to the children in their care, but they can often be this resource to the child’s family, as well. A foster parent is someone who can provide stability and consistency in a child's life during difficult times, but they cal also be a shoulder to lean on for the child's parents, offering support and guidance when needed. Most importantly, a foster parent is someone who can help a child feel loved and cared for, no matter what may be happening in their life.
If you're interested in learning more about how Angels Foster Family Network can support you as a foster parent, please check out our Fostering 101 page and be sure to watch our orientation video. Thank you for your commitment to serving vulnerable children and youth in San Diego!