More Resource Homes Needed Statewide

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)-Every child deserves to a nice, stable home to live in, but unfortunately that’s not always the case.

A few weeks ago, 35 children were removed from there homes in Calhoun county, and are now in custody of the Calhoun County Department of Human Services.

But, Calhoun County is the only place dealing with this problem, there’s a need for resource homes throughout the entire state.

“In the region I serve we have approximately 375 children in foster care,” said Jackie Hill,  resource area social work supervisor for the the MDCPS.

That’s an alarming number that Hill, and others are currently tying to cut down.

“When children come into custody, our goal is to first, place children with families and if that is not possible, then we look for resource homes in that area where the child is from to have the kids placed,” said Hill.

Hill said abuse neglect, along with drug abuse are just a few of reasons they would remove a child from their home.

“No matter what’s going on in the home, kids are going to always want to be with mom and dad,” said Hill. “We realize it’s a traumatic event whenever a child has to be removed, because a lot of times they don’t know what’s going on.”

 
Once Hill and his staff gets a call remove a child from their home, they place them in emergency shelters, such as Sally Kate Winters until they can be placed into a home.

But lately, finding a resource home to place them in has been hard to come by.

“The biggest problem is community awareness of the need, really focusing on educating the community on the need for resource homes in our area,” said Hill.

Along with educating the community, Hill said people opening their homes and hearts, could also help bring that number down.

“We look to match a child with a home that fits that child,” he said. “We always want the kids to remain in the community they’re familiar with, for them to be able to stay at the same schools, be able to stay in the community they’re familiar with.”

Hill said the resource homes are used for temporary stay until the child’s home because safe again.

But sometimes that doesn’t happen, which is why Hill gave a list of qualifications for anyone looking to become a resource parent.

“You have to be at least 21 years old, have to be legally married or seperated and financially self supporting,” he said.

Hill said 80% of kids that become adopted, are adopted by their resource parents.

If anyone is interested in being a resource parent, contact your local DHS office, or call 1-800-821-9157.