Sacramento County's Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services (DCFAS) hosted its first post-pandemic Resource Family Appreciation Picnic. The last time the event was held was in 2019. On Saturday, July 22, staff took time out of their weekend to show their support and gratitude to dozens of resource families at the picnic. Over 70 staff members volunteered at the event, which took place at William Land Park.
There were kids' activities, games, and raffles during the picnic. DCFAS provided meal and dessert tickets for food trucks and families were given tickets to the Sacramento Zoo, Funderland, and Fairytale Town. Several community partners also attended the event and provided information and educational materials to families.
Resource Families, also known as foster families, provide loving homes to children who are unable to be safely maintained with their parents. While reunification is always the primary goal, many resource families also provide legal permanency for children when reunification cannot be achieved. Sacramento County recognizes the tremendous contributions of resource families and all the ways they make a difference for the children and families in our communities.
“The impact our Resource Families make on the lives of the children and youth we serve is immeasurable. They are both a safety net and a bridge for healing and are often our greatest facilitators of change. We appreciate our partnership with our Resource Families on behalf of all efforts being made for the kids and families we serve," says Sacramento County's Deputy Director of Child Protective Services Melissa Llyod.
The picnic celebrated current resource families, however, DCFAS also wants to take this opportunity to acknowledge the need for more families to provide this critical service. While there are many homes in the community prepared to care for very young children, the areas of most need are for our adolescent and teen populations, as well as for sibling sets and children with medical needs. The Sacramento County Resource Family Approval (RFA) program offers training, support, and guidance to resource families. Learn more on our Resource Family Website.