Claire Cunningham, director of the Human Services Agency of San Mateo County, urged more residents to consider becoming resource (foster) families, saying a relatively small increase in local caregivers would meaningfully improve placement options for children who cannot safely remain at home.

"If we could get 10 resource families in our system today, that would make a huge difference," Cunningham said, describing the agency's effort to place youth in loving, stable homes while they work toward reunification with parents or seek permanent placement.

The Human Services Agency's Children and Family Services division handles cases of young people who cannot safely remain at home because of concerns about abuse or neglect. Cunningham said the agency aims to place youth close to their existing school communities, friends and relatives so that children experience less disruption.

Two local resource parents who joined the interview described their motivations and experience. They said they entered the process both to help youth and to grow their family; one said they have been resource parents for nine years and have helped 19 children find temporary homes. A volunteer leader described serving as president of a foster parent association and said peer mentoring and community-based supports are a core part of what helps new resource families succeed.

Cunningham outlined the process for people who want to explore fostering: prospective resource families can find initial information through the agency's outreach webpage (helpsanmateokids.com, as cited in the interview), complete an application and assessment, and participate in training and ongoing support. The agency offers mentoring and support groups intended to prepare families for the practical and emotional challenges of foster parenting.

The interview emphasized that becoming a resource family does not always mean a permanent adoption; many placements are temporary and are intended to support reunification or a child's transition to a permanent home. Cunningham said the agency contacts approved resource families when a need arises and works to match families to children's needs and connections in the community.

Cunningham and the resource parents urged people who are curious to use the agency's resources to learn more and to reach out with questions. The host closed the segment by thanking the guests and announcing a short break.