May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness that all youth (the period between childhood and adult age), regardless of their ability, belong in a safe and loving home. According to the National Foster Care Coalition, the three main goals are: raising awareness of foster care issues; motivating others to help foster care and foster children succeed; and create a positive framework that maintains the progress made during the month of May throughout the rest of the year. As a licensed Resource Family Agency (previously named Foster Family Agency), Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) believes all youth belong in families. We strive to find resource families for youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who are unable to remain with their family of origin. Youth thrive when they feel safe, secure and loved. It is our goal to recruit resources families that can offer these comforts that should be afforded to all youth.
Our potential resource families attend a TMI Resource Parent Orientation to determine if our program would be a good fit for you and your family, as well as best meet the needs of the youth we serve. Once you are accepted as a TMI resource family and a match is made with a youth, resource families receive the following:
Monthly financial and respite stipends
Comprehensive orientation and extensive ongoing training to fulfill annual training requirements
In-house autism spectrum disorder certification
Pro-Act certification
Resource parent support group meetings
24/7 emergency support
Facilitation of shared parenting relationships and communication between parents of origin and resource parents
Master level social work support
Assistance at medical and psychiatric appointments
Behavioral support provided by a licensed clinician (when appropriate)
The satisfaction of being a positive influence on a youth in need of care, love and a sense of belonging
We have youth waiting for a caring home. These youth have a variety of needs, but all require families concerned with their overall well-being. Some placements are temporary, while others could lead to adoption and family for life.
Please contact us at (800) 877-5452 or info@tmi-inc.org to attend a New Resource Parent Orientation should you wish to learn more about becoming a resource parent for a youth with special needs. You can make a lasting impact in a youth's life, as they will in yours. We thank you in advance for making a difference!
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the deaf and hard of hearing since 2000. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. To stay connected with us follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.