An Open Letter to Foster Parents

I encourage you to sit with any discomfort.
Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things.
We can't do better, until we know better.
No child who has been removed from their biological home is without trauma.
We need to find a way to develop relationships with the bio parents of these children and
show them that there is another way to parent in a judgement free zone.
We need to show them that we are here to support their reunification;
tell them that we are no better than them and here to provide a
safe space for their kiddos in their family's time of need.
We can start to heal these children and their families.
We can show other parents how to be safe.
Reunification is paramount.
We are passionate about creating and maintaining the relationships between bio and foster parents.
Please, reach out if you want to get started or want to know more.
Get attached.
Love these kiddos like they are yours.
Advocate for these biological parents in a space where their voices are drowned out.

How can you support parents?
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Write down updates and send pictures of the kids to visits
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Ask parents for tips in caring for their children
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Ask parents for pictures of the family to have in your home
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Go to court and sit on the parent’s side
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Write a letter to introduce yourself & tell parents that you want to support them and the kids
What can you do before becoming a licensed caregiver?
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Research trauma-informed care
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Educate yourself on anti-racism
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Build a support system
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Dig into WHY you want to foster children. Is it child-centered?
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Listen to the experts (see our Instagram highlight)
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Learn how to foster the entire family, not just the children in your home

What do parents want foster caregivers to know?
TBD
TBD
TBD
