Support Marin Foster Families Through New 'Friends' Program

MARIN COUNTY, CA — There's a new way for Marin County residents to support local foster families – just in time for the holiday season.

The Friends of the Family program links community members to fosters families in need of support.

"Fostering children is a rewarding yet demanding calling – we have a deep understanding of that," said child welfare worker Leslie Fields.

"We've found that the level of support a resource family receives directly correlates to their success in fostering children and their retention as a resource family. Many resource families have told us they could do more if they had a bigger support network."

Marin averages 80 children in foster care. Nearly two dozen are placed in homes outside of the county – even several hundred miles away.

The Children and Family Services Division aims to bring more children in foster care back to their own communities.

A screened Friend can help with transportation, provide bought or prepared meals during times of transition, or donate goods or services. Volunteers will receive training and support from social workers familiar with the foster care system.

"There are many ways to become involved depending on a person's individual interest, resources, and availability," Fields said. "They can let us know how much time they have and how they would like to help, and we can match up that offer with a family with those needs."

Any adult can volunteer with Friends of the Family after going through an approval process.

The program is managed by the Children and Family Services Division of the Marin County Health and Human Services Department. Interested applicants will work with Children and Family Services and the Marin County Volunteers Program to become approved as a Friend of the Family.

The assessment process varies depending on the level of involvement a prospective participant will have and may include a background check and an interview with a social worker. Learn more at FosterourFutureMarin.org.

For those interested in fostering, Marin HHS is hosting an orientation for potential foster parents on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus, 3240 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael. Learn more at www.fosterourfuturemarin.org or call 415-473-2200.