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Becoming a Resource Parent

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Therapeutic Foster Care and Resource Parents

Becoming a Resource Parent

Q. What are the requirements of me to become a Resource Parent?

A. To become a Resource Parent, you must:

  • Be an adult 21 years or older
  • Have a home that meets criteria, including a bedroom available for the youth
  • Have another source of income
  • Have reliable transportation
  • Complete background clearances
  • Complete a 10-week pre-service training, as well as ongoing training

 

Q. What kind of training and support is offered for Resource Parents? 

A. The Therapeutic Foster Care Program provides intensive pre-service and ongoing training for Resource Parents. Resource Parents and Family Specialists meet twice monthly to review progress, service planning, safety of the home, and treatment issues. A 24-hour emergency on-call system also provides assistance as needed.

 

Q. What population of children is served through this program? 

A. The target population is children and youth and their siblings ranging from birth through 21 years of age who have:

  • serious emotional difficulties
  • behavioral difficulties
  • and/or developmental disabilities

 

Q. What kind of services are offered to children and families in this program? 

A. Behavior management training and counseling services assist the youth in developing problem-solving and coping skills while supporting the reinforcement and generalization of newly-learned positive behaviors in school, home, and other community settings.

 

Q. What benefits are there for Resource Parents? 

A. Resource parents receive ongoing training, 24-hour support, tax-free stipends, and the satisfaction of knowing that you helped a child succeed!

 

Q. What is the process to become a Resource Parent? 

A. If you are interested in becoming a Resource Parent you should contact (607) 937-4525 or (585) 434-3166. All Resource Parents must meet with Agency staff, complete a 10-week pre-service training class including an application and home study. In addition, background clearances are completed.

 

Contact

To help a youth or sibling group in need, learn more about becoming a Resource Parent, by completing the Resource (Foster) Parent Interest Form or by contacting:

Manager, Therapeutic Foster Care

Administrative Office
Pathways, Inc.
33 Denison Parkway West, Corning, New York 14830
T: (607) 937-4525 F: (607) 937-3206

Rochester Office
160 Allens Creek Rd., Suite 250, Rochester, New York 14618
T: (585) 434-3166 F: (585) 434-3167

Care Coordination

These services provide care coordination to youth and adults with chronic medical conditions to get the care they need to improve their health and supports. Additionally, these services provide service coordination for adults that are Nursing Home-eligible or have traumatic brain injuries. Pathways, Inc. also provides contracted services with the Steuben Department of Social Services, Steuben County Community Mental Health Services for adults and children, Chemung County Safe Zones, Chemung County Department of Social Services for Parent Advocacy, Steuben County Public Health, and Monroe County Department of Human Services.

Adult Care Management

Through Adult Care Management, a Care Manager partners with adults to get the care they want to improve their physical, behavioral, and social health and supports.

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Children's Care Management

Through Children’s Care Management, a Care Manager helps youth and caregivers get the services they need to improve the youth’s health.

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High Fidelity Wraparound

High Fidelity Wraparound is a national, evidence-based process that focuses on the goals of the family to address complex emotional and behavioral needs of the youth.

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Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Service Coordination

Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Service Coordinators have been supporting Nursing Home-eligible individuals as one Service Coordination agency under the Department of Health’s Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver since 2008, service coordinators work in partnership with the individual to ensure that they receive the most appropriate supports based on their need to help them remain integrated in their home and community.

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Recovery Coordination

Through this Recovery Coordination Agency (RCA), a Recovery Coordinator assists adults with Managed Care to gain peers and partners in the community.

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Steuben County Department of Social Services Collaborative Programs

Steuben County Department of Social Services (DSS) Collaborative Programs serve children who are at imminent risk of out-of-home placement and their families.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Service Coordination

Traumatic Brain Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury) Service Coordinators have been supporting individuals with TBI as one Service Coordination agency through the Department of Health’s TBI Waiver program since 1995, and work in partnership with the individual to secure supports and services that will allow them to live as independently and productively as possible.

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