The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors meeting on September 9, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the support system for foster parents in the county. Vicky Whitehead, a social worker with Family and Children Services, emphasized the critical role of foster parents in ensuring positive outcomes for children in care.

Whitehead, who has worked in the department for a decade, highlighted the challenges faced by social workers and the impact of staffing changes on foster families. She noted that her unit, which is responsible for evaluating and supporting foster homes, is undergoing a transition that will result in foster parents receiving new social workers. This change, she argued, could disrupt the essential support that foster parents need to effectively care for children who may have complex backgrounds.

In her remarks, Whitehead called for a careful approach to implementing changes within the system, advocating for a transition that considers the needs of foster parents alongside those of the children they care for. She stressed that fostering is a demanding role, requiring strong support to help parents navigate the challenges of caring for children who may not have been in their care since infancy.

The discussion underscored the importance of fostering a supportive environment for both foster parents and the children they serve, as the board considers future changes to the Family and Children Services framework. The meeting highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue about how best to support these vital community members.