5 Resources for Foster Parents and Future Foster Parents

 

As we close out National Foster Care Month, we remain committed to supporting foster youth and former foster youth. Whether you are a foster parent or want to be a foster parent, there are resources available to help you find your way and care for children well. 

Foster parents play a unique role in a child’s life. While the goal of foster care is to reunify families, a foster parent is responsible for providing a safe and loving space for a child while they are separated from their biological parents. With any separation due to abuse or neglect, there is trauma that has taken place. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for foster parents to stay trauma informed.

After speaking with foster parents, Sarah and Bryan, it became evident that there is much to learn when it comes to caring for a child in foster care. Knowing the importance of the culture a child comes from, how to make sure their culture is respected while they are in your care and being trauma informed are just a few of the many important parts of being a foster parent. 

These resources are meant to educate, support and assist foster parents. It is up to each of us to create safe spaces for these children. 

  1. Child Welfare Information Gateway

    • This is a website equipped with resources based on which state you are located in as well as education articles. 

    • Foster parents can use resources from this site, such as this guide to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, to best support the child in their care. 

  2. Respite care

    • Respite care is when someone who is respite certified temporarily cares for another family's foster child. 

    • This is a resource that allows parents to recoup for a few days in order to best care for a child. 

  3. The book “The Connected Parent” by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls

    • “The Connected Parent” is a book that educates parents about TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention). 

    • TBRI is attachment-based and trauma informed and it is designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children. 

    • Being trauma informed is absolutely necessary as foster youth are far more likely to have experienced abuse and neglect.

  4. Local foster closets

    • For foster parents looking to find clothing for a child in their care, this is a great way to find clothing near you quickly!

    • A speedy Google search will lead you to a foster closet near you. 

  5. Mentoring programs within a foster licensing agency

    • There are many questions that may come up while being a foster parent and having someone to walk through those questions with can be incredibly helpful. 

    • Contact your licensing agency and see if they have a mentoring program where you can speak with other foster parents and gain a deeper understanding of how to be the best parent that you can be to the child in your care. 

If you’re a foster parent, it is never too late or too early to use these resources! Caring for your child, remaining knowledgeable of their culture and staying trauma informed may be an ongoing process, but it is one that drastically impacts both you and the child in your care. 

 

About the Author

 
 

Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.

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