Jill’s Story

My wife and I became licensed Resource Parents in the state of Maine in the early Fall of 2021. In October, we received a call and had an hour to decide if we would welcome a one week old newborn into our home. We will never regret saying yes.

The next morning, we learned that she would be staying in the hospital for another few weeks. I called my employer and let them know that I would need to work reduced hours from our shared hospital room and was immediately reassured they would do everything they could to support me and my family during this time. When we were discharged from the hospital, I was offered three months of fully paid parental leave from my employer. I am one of the fortunate ones to have 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and for that policy to include foster parents. Everyone should have access to this necessary time.

Becoming a Resource Parent and providing a safe haven for a child in need is one of the biggest privilege of my life. But if I didn't have a supportive work environment, we would not have been able to say yes. We wouldn't have been able to afford the lost wages to take the time we needed to for us and the child to fully adjust during such a huge transition.

There is a shortage of foster homes in Maine, and around the country. Paid Family Leave could help others say "yes" and bring children into safe and loving homes.

Have a story to tell? Visit our paid leave story form and join the conversation!