Being a foster parent has rewards
Becoming a resource family might not be an easy decision. The desire to make a positive difference in a child?s life is what led local couple Roy and Mitzi Pierce to become resource parents, formerly called foster parents.
?We had something to offer and there are children out there who need a stable home,? said Mitzi with her husband by her side. ?If you have something to offer, why shouldn?t you give it to a child who needs it??
After spending years thinking about opening their home as a temporary haven to children who need a stable environment, the couple decided through prayer that the time was right over a year ago.
?It was a hard decision but the experience has been wonderful,? said Roy. ?I think the most memorable experience was giving one of our children their first birthday party at age 6. He was so happy.?
Even though parents can choose to take different age groups, boys, girls, sibling groups and children of specific race, this couple doesn?t have a preference. In the last year, the Pierces has given a home to seven children.
?I like younger children and Roy gets along with teenagers,? said Mitzi. ?We?ve had both, and siblings. We?ve had two sibling groups, a group of three and a group of two, and then two individual teenagers. Our oldest daughter, Ashley, helps. She has also been through the training.?
Although they won?t say never, the couple has no plans to adopt.
?We aren?t in it to adopt,? said Roy. ?We want to offer a temporary home until the family can be rehabilitated or a suitable home can be found. We have been lucky so far that all our children have gone back to their families once they have done what they need to do.?
The couple attributes their wonderful experience in the program to the Department of Children?s Services.
?They are the ones who do all the hard work,? said Mitzi. ?They are very supportive of the resource parents. They have a really hard job to do and it takes a special person to do what they do. They are awesome people to work with. When we call them, day or night, they are there.?
For more information regarding becoming a resource family contact DCS at 1-877-DCS-KIDS or the Upper Cumberland Regional office at 1-877-381-8360.