WATSONVILLE — Even on a normal day, parenting can be a challenge. That challenge is magnified for foster parents, who must navigate education, foster and legal systems even as they welcome a new young person into their homes.
On Friday, the nonprofit group California Alliance of Caregivers is hosting a forum for those parents, where organizers will gather input and create a policy agenda to be shared with local and state lawmakers.
“This is their opportunity to have their voice heard as we move forward,” said Dayna Freier of California Alliance of Caregivers.
Freier is also an adoptive and former foster parent.
Issues facing foster families also include “placement stability,” or making sure that children who find a successful placement with a foster family are returned to the same family if needed.
In addition, family team meetings held to make decisions for foster families often yield results and policies that are not followed through, Freier said.
According to Freier, California is in the midst of the most extensive system-wide child welfare reform in a generation.
“…It is essential that caregivers have an active role in the formation of statewide child welfare legislation and policy, as caregivers offer a valuable perspective on system-wide improvement,” Freier said.
The Santa Cruz Resource Family Policy Summit will be Friday from 4-6 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Watsonville Civic Plaza at 275 Main St.
For information, visit www.cacaregivers.org email df*****@ca**********.org or call (530) 219-6604.
