1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA 90744
Contact:
Juanita Naranjo, 310-233-4446,
naranjj@lahc.edu
Target population:
Foster children; foster and adoptive parents
Goals::
The primary goal is to meet the needs of the large number of foster
parents in the area, especially the Spanish speaking foster parents.
Equally important is to increase the number of foster children
attending post-secondary training by making foster parents more
aware of the post-secondary options for foster children.
Description:
Foster Parents have a high turnover rate. They need support and
tools to be retained as Foster Parents This program instructs foster
parents on ways to use the system to get their needs met, to develop
healthy and positive foster parent relationships, and to develop a
collaborative relationship among agencies and partners to provide
tools to foster parents. The components of the program include:
• 35 computers with internet hook-ups that foster parents can use to
find resources for themselves and their foster children. These
computers are also used for internet classes in English and Spanish,
and inter-generational classes on basic computer components . In
these classes, the students and foster parents build a CPU to bring
it home.
Other program components include:
1) Parenting classes focusing on physically and emotionally
challenged youth.
2) A food bank
3) A conference to develop foster parents and advocates for foster
youth.
4) Peer support system developed through the events
5) Collaborative events for partners.
Staffing:
The Program Director, a coordinator, and an assistant.
Facilities, equipment, materials:
32 Computers and a physical facility
Costs, funding source:
The program is grant funded.
Outreach and marketing:
Foster Parent programs, word of mouth
Evidence of effectiveness: There were 250 foster parents who attended the last conference, “Excellence in Partnership." Approximately 20 families have participated in the build a computer class. Program staff reports that there has been better retention of foster parents and better success of the foster children in their care.