Grounded. That’s a word I became very familiar with in high school. No, I don’t mean grounded as in “realistic” – I mean grounded as in punished, sent to my room, cut off from friends or from my computer. I wasn’t a bad kid, really, but there were certain rules I was bad at following. […]
As a resource parent, the line between your rights vs. your responsibilities can sometimes become blurred. Understanding how the two work together will give you more insight into your role as your child in placement’s primary caregiver and will empower you to be a stronger advocate for him. Information You have the right as a […]
What is social media? Is your foster child on social media? Social media is defined as a form of electronic communication that allows users to create online communities where information, ideas, personal messages and other forms of content can be shared. Some of the more popular examples of this platform are: Facebook Instagram Snapchat Twitter […]
You’ve finished PRIDE training, you’ve passed your home inspection, you’ve bought all the little extra things to welcome your first foster child into your home and now you’re waiting for the call. Use this time to prepare yourself further for the life changing journey you’re about to start. One of the best things you can […]
It’s all too easy to take your next meal for granted. Many of you may have already planned what you’re going to eat next, who you will be sharing it with and when it will be ready. But for many foster children, meals simply aren’t a given. Before being removed from their parents, some children […]
One of the best ways to bond with your foster child is to work with them on a craft that will help boost their sense of creativity and self-esteem. Parents know the joy of seeing their child proudly showing off a macaroni necklace or hanging their latest finger painting on the fridge. Of course, not […]
Explaining to your family and friends what foster care is and why you want to open your home to a child can be both challenging and intimidating. You’re never sure how open they’ll be to your plan, what kind of support they’ll offer or what “horror story” they’ll tell you from someone they know who […]
5 years ago, Hurricane Sandy made landfall and changed the lives of thousands of New Jersey residents. This year, Hurricane Harvey decimated Houston and now, Hurricane Irma is making its way north. If Irma hits New Jersey, will you be prepared? Disaster Preparedness for Foster Parents In response to Sandy, our Training Department developed the […]
Trying to understand what a child is thinking can be difficult. Without the ability to express themselves, or if past trauma has affected their ability to do so, handling grief and trauma can become a major obstacle for foster parents. Whether it’s attachment issues, stubbornness, or acting out, behaviors you experience with foster children may […]
With the hustle and bustle of the school year coming to a close, you’ve probably started wondering what you’ll do now that your foster child’s day isn’t filled with school, practices and homework. The possibilities are endless and vary widely from one child to the next. After seeing all of the possible summer activities for […]