Program Description:

The Resource Parent Mentor Program, in conjunction with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provides Kentucky’s newly approved Resource Parents one-on-one mentoring support and moment-in-time training during their first six months of service to bolster confidence and satisfaction as they adjust to their new roles and responsibilities.

Our Mission:

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has contracted with the UK Training Resource Center to:

• Retain newly approved Resource Parents by providing short-term and intensive training, support, skill reinforcement, and encouragement

• Provide newly approved Resource Parents a wide variety of parenting strategies unique to providing out-of-home care

• Prevent unnecessary disruptions and transitions due to stress and discouragement

• Assist newly approved Resource Parents in applying skills that make their experience both satisfying and successful.

Our Method:

The Resource Parent Mentor Program will…

• Match newly approved Resource Parents with veteran Resource Parents in a one-on-one coaching relationship for their first six months service

• Through mentors provide information about resources unique to the area

• Through mentors provide assistance in practicing skills learned during the initial training experience

• Through mentors provide information about how to work within the child welfare system

• Require mentors to sign a pledge of confidentiality

• Require mentors to make weekly contact

• Require mentors to be available by phone for any "as needed" support

• Encourage mentees to be willing and active learners.