Resource Families Thrive Stanford Sierra Youth and Families

In previous episodes we have discussed systemic disparities across systems of care. We know that young people of color, those from the lgbtq+ population, those with visible and invisible disabilities, and any other marginalized group may be overlooked, not receive the supports they really need, or have a harder time finding permanency with a supportive family. This month we are focusing on the steps our organization takes to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more information contact us at (916) 344-0199 or visit our website at SSYAF.ORG

Our previous program director used to say that social workers are Masters of Seeding and Watering (MSW). When a family is with us for a while and adding children to their families, what are we doing but helping a beautiful garden to grow? This foster care awareness month we are joined by Irik Edens, whose family has fostered and adopted children from the system and made sure each child's family of origin remains connected to them, creating a rich and healing environment for everyone. For more information call us at (916) 368-5114 or visit our website at SSYAF.ORG.

We receive many questions about what a home should look like or how to get it ready as someone goes through the Approval process. I think there is some nervousness- the question lingers "will my home make the cut?" That answer is Yes. Join us this month to learn a little bit more about what a home walkthrough can look like and some of the reasons why we have to do the things we do in pursuit of approving new resource families. To learn more visit our website at www.ssyaf.org, or give us a call at (916) 344-0199.

It is not uncommon for a family to ask about behavior of children in care, or say they'd like to find a child with "low or no behaviors." The question always arises: What does that actually mean? It is our hope that if we share with you what "behavior" looks like, and more importantly how a family can help a child to manage and learn through their behaviors, that they will feel more empowered to solve challenges together. Note: We are aware of any audio issues that happened during recording but hope you find this episode enjoyable and informative. For more information on how to become a resource parent, call us at (916) 344-0199 or visit our website at SSYAF.ORG

A program like Pathways to Permanency needs a strong director to steer the ship. When we are supporting youth and families in their journeys to permanency, it's important to have someone able to look at the big picture as well as the individual impacts. We are lucky enough to have such a leader in our Program Director, Yuri Kimura. Today we get to hear her perspective on foster care and our program. For more information please call us at (916) 368-5114, or visit our website at SSYAF.ORG.

We are always learning. We learn more about how to care for our youth, how to support our families, and how to support our pathways to permanency. The systems of care have learned that more youth are in need of various forms of support to get them through crises and learn new coping skills, and this means we need more families who will support those youth. Hear from three professionals who work with youth with specialized needs, and support the special families who care for them.