There are basic requirements to be a resource family, starting with the desire and ability to accept a foster child into your home based on the reunification plan made by the state. Foster care is temporary, and a resource home needs to be a safe and nurturing environment for the child while a permanent plan is made. The number one thing to keep in mind is that reunification with the birth family is the goal for every child who enters foster care. If the child cannot go back, the next option is placement with relatives.

Click here to read Resource Family Basics, a handout that details basic information such as supports, services, roles of resource caregivers, and other helpful information.

Resource Family Basics– Chuukese

Resource Family Basics– Ilocano

Resource Family Basics– Marshallese

Resource Family Basics– Tagalog

Children are moved from their homes for reasons such as:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Psychological Abuse
• Neglect/Medical Neglect
• Parents/caregivers need time and support to improve the home environment or learn to provide a safe one for their children.  

When children have to be removed from their homes, the ideal place for them would be a relative or friend’s home that they are familiar with, a home in their neighborhood and school district, a culturally similar home.  Most of the time this does not happen. Children are often placed with families and in areas that are completely unfamiliar to them. In addition to having to deal with the trauma of leaving their homes and families, they must transfer schools and get acquainted with a new community.

That’s where you come in! We need Resource Families of every cultural background and in every community in Hawai‘i nei.

• When you become a Resource Caregiver, you become part of a team.
• The Department of Human Services and partner agencies like Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi provide an array of services to help support you.
• Each child is assigned to a Social Worker who supports them and assures that they receive the services they need to reach their potential.
• Each Resource Family is assigned to a Licensing Worker who provides support so the family can provide a safe, nurturing home environment for children.
• Medical coverage is supplied for each child, as are monthly room and board payments to help families support the new keiki in their lives.
• Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi provides services such as support groups, quarterly and annual conferences and training, Warm Line, and more.