Resource Parents

by Ronda Sorensen

 Parent Educator 

The first time I heard the term "Resource Parents", I thought it was strange. I learned that the term referred to parents who were providing a home for children who were not their biological children. Again, I thought why do we need one more created name. After all, I was facilitating a Foster/Adoptive/Relative and Fictive Kin Support Group and that name was working just fine. Well, maybe it was a bit cumbersome but the group was great and the support and training terrific. I have had some time to think since then and I have realized that the term "resource" is perfect and not just because it is shorter either. Families take children into their home for a variety of reasons. I could begin listing some of those reasons but would not come up with all of them.

The most important thing is that the basis for all of those reasons begins with love. Families who foster or adopt or provide care to a relative child or even a non-related child who has developed a relationship with them truly are a resource. They are a resource certainly to the children in their homes and a resource to the community. Here at Child Advocacy we have an enormous regard and respect for all families but particularly those families who take a child into their homes and provide a loving family environment, usually in circumstances where there has been great emotional stress to the child. We offer a monthly support group for "resource" parents, providing quality training using experienced professional trainers and offer support to each other as parents deal with difficult behaviors, family disruptions, and heartaches often experienced as a result of loving and losing a child in the foster care system.

If you or someone you know fits the description of resource parent, I would like to invite you to join our support group. We meet at 6:00 on the second Tuesday of each month at the YFC building located on Cheesman Rd in Alma. For more information, please call Ronda Sorensen at Child Advocacy, 463-1422 so that I can personally tell you how much I appreciate your service to children and what a resource you are in our world. 

"Molesters do not wear an ugly mask.

 They wear a shield of trust." 

 Patty Rase Hopson, adult survivor and

 co-founder of LavendarPower.org

Learn to recognize the 

"Reds Flags" of child sexual abuse

By Heather Gardner

CAC Coordinator 

Only one in five children who have been sexually abused will tell someone. It is extremely hard for a child to disclose abuse, even under the most supportive circumstances. For this reason it is important for us to be aware of the potential warning signs of sexual abuse. If your child begins to tell you that they do not want to be around a certain person or be involved in certain activities, listen to them. They may be trying to tell you more.

Some children may show physical signs of sexual abuse such as; unexplained urinary tract infections, redness or swelling in the genital area. Some children report stomachaches, headaches, or sudden bedwetting. Behavioral signs may include angry outbursts, sleep difficulties, withdrawal, or a drop in grades. If a child begins to make sexual comments or display inappropriate sexual behaviors, this can also be an indicator. Please keep in mind that these are merely indicators for abuse and may warrant a consultation with a mental health professional or pediatrician trained in child abuse.

If you suspect that your child or any child has been abused, do not attempt to investigate this on your own. In depth questioning of the child may jeopardize a potential investigation. Immediately report your suspicion to the Department of Human Services abuse hotline: 1-855-444-3911.

*Article information obtained from Parents Magazine: Protect Your Child from a Predator  By: Jessica Snyder Sachs