Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: The Lost Boy

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

The Lost Boy Jul 31st 2011, 10:00 The Lost Boy chronicles David Pelzer's journey from foster home to foster home after being rescued from his Mother's severe abuse on March 5, 1973. This story will hold your attention as you get lost in the much interrupted childhood of David Pelzer. "A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family" The Lost Boy covers the time from when David Pelzer enters foster care at the age of 12 until he ages out of the system at age 18. Written in the same style as A Child Called 'It', Pelzer tells his story from the view point of his age at the time whether that be a 12-year-old or an eighteen-year-old. The Lost Boy Is a Must Read for Foster Parents The Lost Boy shows how the actions of a foster parent can effect a foster child. How the fighting among a married couple can call to remembrance images of past abuse. How an understanding look or loving pat on the back can bolster unsteady spirits. Even caring for a pet while a child is in a detention center can help the child to feel that that foster home is more than just a place to sleep, but a refuge from his world of chaos. This book is a must read for foster parents as the reader is given the opportunity to see and try to understand how a child in David's position can interpret and misinterpret unrelated occurrences to being somehow his fault. Very enlightening reading as the reader is able to see the inner workings of an abused child. I'm sure most foster parents will be able to see former foster placements in young David. About the Author Dave Pelzer entered foster care at the age of 12 due to the severe abuse he endured at the hand of his alcoholic mother. The abuse became so terrible that she actually started referring to Dave as "The Boy," instead of a child, her son, or Dave. At the age of 18 Dave aged out of the foster care system and joined the U.S. Air Force. Dave has won many awards and personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. In 1994, he became one of the only United States citizens to be awarded as an Outstanding Young Persons of the World, for his efforts in teaching about child abuse and it's prevention. Dave is also the author of A Child Called "It", A Man Named Dave, The Privilege of Youth, Help Yourself, and Help Yourself for Teens. Today Dave is a husband and a father and resides in Rancho Mirage, California. More Information You can find a section entitled "Perspectives on Foster Care" at the end of the book where different key players in this case give their insight or feelings on Dave's case. A section with numbers to call for more information on social work and foster care is also included. (Published by: Deerfield Beach, FL.: Health Communications, Inc., 1997. ISBN 1-55874-515-7)

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Foster Care Basics

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Foster Care Basics Jul 31st 2011, 10:00 The following 6 statements describe the basic knowledge base of successful foster parents. Of course there is more to being a foster parent, but these 6 points are a great place to start. Note: Stay up-to-date on foster care and adoption issues with my weekly newsletter. Foster Care Skill #1 - Know your home and family. Before jumping into foster care, most families spend two or three years just thinking about it. Here are a few points to consider before making the final decision on whether or not to do foster care. There are a few restrictions on who can become a foster parent and each state has its own guidelines to follow. There are several skills that successful foster parents need to master, such as patience and the ability to say good-bye. It's important to prepare your children for foster care too. All members of your immediate family, even hesitant husbands, need to be on board with this decision as adding to the family, even if just temporary, does shift the natural flow of your home. Know that not all of your family and friends will be supportive of your decision to become a foster family. Understand that fostering can and will have an impact on your marriage, but a healthy dose of humor can ease any stressful situation. If after some research you decide that foster care is not for you, there are other ways to be of support foster children or those who are active foster parents. Perhaps you want to foster, but feel that this is just not the right time. There are several things you can do now to prepare yourself and your family to becoming foster parents later. Foster Care Skill #2 - Know how to communicate. You will be communicating with many different people as a foster parent. This list may include: birth family teachers and other school officials therapists social workers and other agency staff judges and other court personnel, like a GAL or a CASA worker other foster parents your family and friends, who may just not understand your role as a foster parent. the child Foster Care Skill #3 - Know that working with foster children and the foster care system can be challenging. The children in foster care have often endured extreme abuse and neglect. A child's way of communicating is often through behaviors. The foster care system is also often a new entity for many foster parents. Consider the ages, gender, and behaviors of the children your home and family will best be suited for. Know that challenges of working with a foster child also includes the challenges of working with a frustrated foster care system. Consider how the first day with your foster child in your home will go and how you will establish your new role as a foster parent. Foster Care Skill #4 - Know how to successfully manage behaviors of challenging children. Due to the past abuse and neglect corporal punishment is not allowed to be used on children in foster care. If the discipline method causes physical discomfort, it is not OK. For example: going without a meal, withholding bathroom breaks, push-ups, or standing in the corner on tip-toes. Foster Care Skill #5 - Know how to manage a child's losses as well as your own. Many times a child's grief and loss (grieving the loss of their home and family as well as the past abuse) can trigger responses in foster parents. Grief is very personal and each child will go through grief at his own pace. It's important to understand the grief and loss process in children so that we may be better able to meet their needs. There are several factors that may influence a foster child's grief. The length or depth of the grief may be contributed to the type of trauma or even the child's developmental age. Part of being a foster parent is helping a child grieve her losses in a healthy way. Know that you may not be able to complete a foster care adoption of the child you are fostering. Most state's will focus on placing a child with relatives first if the child is unable to return home to his birth parents. However, there are thousands of children who are legally-free and ready for adoption from foster care. Foster Care Skill #6 - Know how to work with others. As a foster parent you will be working with many different professionals. This really goes along with communication, but there is more to being a good team member. As a foster parent you will be asked to attend meetings with a group of people. It's important to be prepared to participate. You have valuable insight into the child's needs and the group needs to hear what you have to say. Many new foster parents are nervous about meeting the child's birth family, but in time you may find that you are fostering or mentoring the whole family. This is important because foster parents are a big part of the family reunification process. Be the best foster parents you can be. Sign up for a free ecourse today, Learn How to Be a Great Foster Parent in 5 Weeks

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Adoption / Foster Care: What to Do on Rainy Summer Days

Adoption / Foster Care Get the latest headlines from the Adoption / Foster Care GuideSite.

What to Do on Rainy Summer Days Jul 30th 2011, 23:52 Photo Courtesy of Raab Associates, Inc I've decided to post this in the hopes that it will rain here.� We are in a terrible drought, but I know other areas are flooding. Thinking we need a better balance! So far Mother Nature has just been teasing us with dark clouds, thunder, some lightening a few drops. But, when it does rain, that usually means kids in the house - bored. What a great time to have some indoor fun with books. A few craft ideas and a great recipe allows children the opportunity to really get into their favorite book about adoption. See what activities and recipes are suggested for the book featured above, My Mei Mei Fun Things to Do With Children's Adoption Books For bored teens, may I suggest the listing of Young Adult Summer Reading List Rainy summer days are also an awesome time to work on lifebooks. Get started with a few best ideas on how to complete a lifebook for your adopted or foster child. What do you do with your kids on rainy summer days?

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Adoption / Foster Care: What to Do on Rainy Summer Days

Adoption / Foster Care Get the latest headlines from the Adoption / Foster Care GuideSite.

What to Do on Rainy Summer Days Jul 30th 2011, 23:52 Photo Courtesy of Raab Associates, Inc I've decided to post this in the hopes that it will rain here.� We are in a terrible drought, but I know other areas are flooding. Thinking we need a better balance! So far Mother Nature has just been teasing us with dark clouds, thunder, some lightening a few drops. But, when it does rain, that usually means kids in the house - bored. What a great time to have some indoor fun with books. A few craft ideas and a great recipe allows children the opportunity to really get into their favorite book about adoption. See what activities and recipes are suggested for the book featured above, My Mei Mei Fun Things to Do With Children's Adoption Books For bored teens, may I suggest the listing of Young Adult Summer Reading List Rainy summer days are also an awesome time to work on lifebooks. Get started with a few best ideas on how to complete a lifebook for your adopted or foster child. What do you do with your kids on rainy summer days?

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Adoption / Foster Care: Share Your Adoption Story

Adoption / Foster Care Get the latest headlines from the Adoption / Foster Care GuideSite.

Share Your Adoption Story Jul 29th 2011, 19:34 I would really enjoy reading more adoption stories here on About Adoption &Foster Care. It's quick, easy, and free to post your adoption story. There is no sign-in to fuss with and I can always assist you via email if you're having trouble. You can even post a family picture!�� Take a few minutes and share, those waiting to adopt may need to hear your story. Click here to share your adoption story. A few of the adoption stories already published: Special Needs Older Child from China Adoption Single Mom Adopts Two Children with RAD Foster Care Adoption Leads to Forever Family China Adoption Story for Two Little Girls Have Faith and Wait for the Right Timing Already My Child - Vietnam Adoption Story Single Parent International Adoption Story Share your adoption story!

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Adoption / Foster Care: Share Your Adoption Story

Adoption / Foster Care Get the latest headlines from the Adoption / Foster Care GuideSite.

Share Your Adoption Story Jul 29th 2011, 19:34 I would really enjoy reading more adoption stories here on About Adoption &Foster Care. It's quick, easy, and free to post your adoption story. There is no sign-in to fuss with and I can always assist you via email if you're having trouble. You can even post a family picture!�� Take a few minutes and share, those waiting to adopt may need to hear your story. Click here to share your adoption story. A few of the adoption stories already published: Special Needs Older Child from China Adoption Single Mom Adopts Two Children with RAD Foster Care Adoption Leads to Forever Family China Adoption Story for Two Little Girls Have Faith and Wait for the Right Timing Already My Child - Vietnam Adoption Story Single Parent International Adoption Story Share your adoption story!

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Before You Choose Adoption

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Before You Choose Adoption Jul 29th 2011, 10:00 As you consider whether adopting is right, consider these 5 common questions, which will help you decide whether adoption is right for you and your family. Are You Ready to Adopt? The decision to adopt a baby is very much a journey. To people unacquainted with adoption, the trek can be over-whelming. Before determining whether you're ready to adopt, take these important steps: What Needs Can You Meet? When most of us start the adoption journey, we don't think about the details, we're too excited about the thought of being parents. It is important to stop and consider: Spending time thinking about the age of child that would fit best into your family. Knowing what the term special needs adoption means and whether a special needs child would fit into your family. Learning all you can about parenting a child outside your race if considering an interracial adoption. Do You Know How Much Adopting a Child Costs? The cost of adoption will vary by the type of adoption being considered and the fees attached. Know that: Adoption costs vary due to, for example, agency and lawyer fees, travel costs and birth family needs. It's OK to shop around for an adoption agency. It's important to know what to look for in an adoption agency and what to look out for. It's also important to prepare to interview adoption professionals that you intend to work with. Should You Choose Domestic Adoption or International Adoption? There are many different reasons why people choose to adopt domestically or internationally and each reason is personal and based largely on opinion. Learn more about your adoption options to make your decision. Read up on some pros and cons to international and domestic adoption. Learn about foster care adoption. Foster care adoption is a great option and there are thousands of children waiting for homes. Know that you can adopt across state lines. Are You Ready to Start the Adoption Process? When starting out on an adoption journey the one thing that may throw you a bit is all of the adoption lingo. Take time to review some adoption talk. Read over some definitions in the adoption glossary and learn some adoption words and terms that are used in the adoption community. Review common medical and psychological conditions that impact some foster and adopted children. Learn what each step of the adoption process means to you and your family.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: How to Adopt a Foster Child

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

How to Adopt a Foster Child Jul 29th 2011, 10:00 There are thousands of children waiting for permanent homes in the foster care system. There is a great need for adoptive parents to come forward and help these children find loving homes and families through foster care adoption. Explore if foster care adoption is for you. It was difficult to choose a difficulty level for this article. I chose hard, not because the steps are difficult, but the waiting can be. Difficulty: Hard Time Required: Several Months Here's How: Read and Research - Learn about foster care adoption. Read about children in the foster care system. Know that the children within the foster care system may struggle with behaviors due to past abuse and neglect. Make an informed decision on foster care adoption and move on to the next step. Contact Your State's Foster Care Agency - Call your state's department of social services and ask for information on adopting from the foster care system. You should receive an information packet in the mail with more information on the foster care adoption process within your state. Attend Classes - The packet of information should also direct you toward training in your area that will prepare you to adopt a child from the foster care system. The training will also help you decide on the child that would best fit into your family. You will need to look at the child's age, sex, race, behavior, and needs. Due to past abuse and neglect some children need to be an only child, while other children would do great with siblings, but may not be able to handle pets. Background Checks - Part of the classes will be to complete forms that allow for background checks. Home Study - Your adoption social worker will begin work on the adoption home study which is a detailed written report of your family compiled and prepared by a social worker. This can take three to six months to finish. Approved - After being approved as an adoptive family you will be given the opportunity to review the profiles of children within your decided upon criteria. It may take several months to find the right child for your family. Decide if it's a Match - Once you have decided upon a child you will be allowed to learn more about that child so that you can further discover if the child looks like a good match for your family. Pre-placement Visits - Once you have made the decision to follow through with a particular child your family will begin to have pre-placement visits with the child. Child Moves In - When the big day arrives and the child joins your family, know that the adoption worker will still remain in contact with your family to monitor your progress as you wait for a court date. Legalized - Your family's day in court when the adoption becomes final and the child is yours. Continue on building ties as a family. Please remember to maintain past ties the child has with appropriate birth family and the past foster family. There are a number of ways to do this. It may be wise to consult a therapist for ideas that will work for your child. Post Adoption Support - The adoption social worker will stay in contact with your family for 12-18 months, depending on your state's guidelines.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Non-identifying Information

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Non-identifying Information Jul 28th 2011, 10:00 Definition: Non-identifying Information is usually very basic information that adoptees can access once they register for that part of their adoption records. It's usually any information that does not give away a birth parent's identity - such as name, birth date, address or phone number. What's included? Information varies from State to State, but for example may include: health/medical information age of birth parents description of birth parents reason for placing the child for adoption SOURCE: Child Welfare Information Gateway

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Top Adoption Gifts

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Top Adoption Gifts Jul 28th 2011, 10:00 Here are some adoption gift ideas for those in your life who are a part of the adoption or foster care triad - from adoptive parents and birth parents to adoptees; select from books and magazines to a beautiful necklace. These adoption gift ideas are surely to be a hit. Image used with permission by manyheartsonebeat.com I know we all get excited to see what or who made the top of any list, but these items are not in any order. These all are such beautiful products and I wanted things that could be customized for any adoption story or be for adoption in general.I think it's also important to note that most of these shops send a portion of their proceeds to benefit orphans around the world. Bren Wolfe Founder, JourneyToMe.com Adoption ornaments make great adoption gifts. Select one of these adoption ornaments for your family. Some are generic and work for any adoption, others can be personalized for your adoption story. A few of these items give back to the adoption community with proceeds from the sale going back to different adoption organizations. Photo © Carrie Craft Whether you're looking for a ute long sleeve tee with a hip adoption statement such as "Adoption Rocks" or a black t-shirt that bears the message, "Born in My Heart" written in Swarovski® crystals. Many people love to wear their thoughts on their shirts or hat for that matter. Find cute adoption apparel that would make awesome adoption gifts! Image courtesy AdoptShoppe™ Several countries to choose from as well as an airplane cookie cutter and a waving flag. These hand-tooled tin cookie cutters shaped like country maps will make fun and unique adoption gifts for families who have adopted internationally. Image courtesy AdoptShoppe™ These Chinese wooden molds can be used with any recipe that doesn't rise a lot and come with a recipe for traditional moon cookies. These molds are hand-carved in hardwood, made in China. When not being used for baking, it is suggested that they can be displayed as wall art. Another fun and unique adoption gift for a family that has adopted from China. Photo © Carrie Craft ManyHeartsOneBeat is the creation of single, adoptive mother Lisa Jacuzzo. A variety of cute, unique adoption gifts are offered such as a plantable Arrival Day Spruce tree, embroidered, fleece throw blanket, and bumper stickers. Clothing, hats and tote bags are also available with adoption messages that range from: "Adopt - Because Every Child Deserves a Family," "Many Hearts One Beat," "Adoption - A Serendipitous Creation of Family," and "At Last, The Journey of Many Hearts Now Beat as One." There are even gift ideas for Dad! Raab Associates, Inc Choose from a variety of books that have been already been reviewed to ease your purchase anxiety. Books for children or adults about foster care or adoption make great gifts for those working with or living as part of the adoption/foster care triad. Photo © Carrie Craft Handmade gifts are truly gifts from the heart. So if you are wishing to create something unique for a loved one consider these ideas. Cute projects made from the hand and foot prints of your little one. More grown up ideas for the adult adoptee. Magazines would make a great gift. I enjoy the ones I've received. Here are a few options! A variety of magazines for adoptive parents, foster parents, and other members of the triad. Cultural magazines would be a great idea for international or interracial families.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Reasons to Re-Adopt

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Reasons to Re-Adopt Jul 28th 2011, 10:00 While it is true that if a child enters the country under an IR-3 visa, he/she will be a U.S. citizen thanks to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, but there are still good reasons for re-adoption once back in the U.S.A. 1. A Legal & Binding U.S. Birth Certificate Whether your child is getting a driver's license or adopting one day, your child will need a copy of her birth certificate at different points in her lifetime. It would be much easier for your child to seek a copy of her birth certificate through your state's department of vital records than try to get one (if it still exists) in her birth country. 2. A Legal Name Change Can Be Completed If you desire to have your child's name legally changed, re-adoption is the time to complete this change. 3. Not all U.S. States Will Recognize a Foreign Adoption Decree There are eighteen states and the District of Columbia, and four U.S. Territories that have no statutory provisions regarding international adoptions. These include: Alabama Arizona Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mississippi Nebraska Nevada New Jersey New York Rhode Island South Dakota Utah Virginia West Virginia Wyoming American Samoa Guam Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands 4. So, You Live in a State that Recognizes Foreign Adoptions - What if You Move? If you happen to move into one of the above mentioned states that do not recognize a foreign adoption decree there could be trouble. For example, your child may not be seen as a legal heir. 5. Re-adoption Is Another Reason to Have a Party! Re-adoption gives you another day to plan an event to celebrate your child's adoption. Re-adoption may be a hassle, but the hassle may be worth it in the long run.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Love Languages

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Love Languages Jul 27th 2011, 10:00 Who Created the Five Love Languages?: Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of more than twenty books, including the best-selling Five Love Languages Series. He is also the senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he has served for 36 years. He has traveled the world hosting marriage seminars and has appeared on radio and television numerous times. Dr. Chapman, after conducting over thirty years of marriage counseling, has concluded that there are basically five different ways that people show and understand emotional love. What Are the Five Love Languages?: The five love languages are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. According to Dr. Chapman, we all feel love and give love to others through these five different love languages, but we all have a primary love language in which we best feel loved. Love Languages and Children: Dr. Chapman relates in his book that each child develops their own emotional patterns. While some grow feeling loved, other children grow up with feelings worthlessness. This, unfortunately, describes many of the children we serve in the foster care system. Dr. Chapman states that children will grow up and develop their own sense of love language based on how their parents expressed love to them. If a child does not feel loved, they will still develop a love language, but it may be distorted. These are the children who will have to work harder in order to feel and communicate love. The "Love Tank": Dr. Chapman shares a metaphor, “Inside every child is an ‘emotional tank’ waiting to be filled with love. When a child really feels loved, he will develop normally but when the love tank is empty, the child will misbehave. Much of the misbehavior of children is motivated by the cravings of an empty ‘love tank.’” It is up to us as parents and care givers to learn how each child in our care feels love best. Finding Your Love Language: For yourself - Purchase the book, The Love Love Languages or check it out at your local library. A quick test is located at the back of the book. You can also find the test online. There is also a test that was formatted specifically for children that I located online by a Christian group, Growing Families International.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What I Hope Foster Parents Remember to Do This School Year

Adoption / Foster Care Get the latest headlines from the Adoption / Foster Care GuideSite.

What I Hope Foster Parents Remember to Do This School Year Jul 26th 2011, 23:07 It's almost time to send kids back-to-school. Now that my daughter is almost 14 - I really don't mind her hanging around the house, so I'm not ready to send her back to school. She's pretty funny and a great kid. She doesn't read this blog, so I'm safe in sharing that with the world. Yes, she's a freshman this year! Back in 2007, I was upset that she was a big 5th grader! As I ponder what I want to say in my yearly back to school blog - I don't want to focus on the general back-to-school theme, but gain the attention of foster parents specifically. What I hope foster parents remember to do this school year. Try to send your foster children to school in clothes and shoes that the kids can be proud of owning, not all hand-me-downs, or noticeably used garage sale finds. Children can be cruel and foster children have enough to battle just with the title "foster kid". Your foster child benefits from after-school activities too. After gaining social worker and birth parent permission - look into sports, clubs, or other activities. Buy their school picture. Some refuse to spend money on their foster children's school pictures.� Buy a modest package and place the pictures in their lifebooks, give some to the birth parents, and hang one on your living-room wall. Nothing will make the child feel like they belong more than seeing their picture hanging next to other family member's pictures. Volunteer in some capacity at least once this year. It can be a small gesture, donate cookies to a party; or bigger, help out on a field trip. Your presence will help the teacher feel more comfortable speaking to you about any concerns, you can observe your foster child interact with peers, and you will validate your love and concern for the child when he sees you caring about him by just being there. Go to the child's school conferences. Invite the birth parents, if appropriate. Attend their school programs, games, and other events. Again, invite the birth parents, if appropriate. Advocate for your foster child's educational needs. You are the expert on that child while he is in your home. If, for example, visitation during the school day is not working out, then report that to the child's social worker. Advocate! Remember your foster child's confidentiality - even at school What ideas would you add to this list for foster parents sending their foster children off to school this year? Click "Comments" below and share. This blog post is part of the All About Parenting Back to School Blog Carnival, hosted by Jennifer Wolf, the Guide to Single Parents.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What I Hope Foster Parents Remember to Do This School Year

Adoption / Foster Care Get the latest headlines from the Adoption / Foster Care GuideSite.

What I Hope Foster Parents Remember to Do This School Year Jul 26th 2011, 23:07 It's almost time to send kids back-to-school. Now that my daughter is almost 14 - I really don't mind her hanging around the house, so I'm not ready to send her back to school. She's pretty funny and a great kid. She doesn't read this blog, so I'm safe in sharing that with the world. Yes, she's a freshman this year! Back in 2007, I was upset that she was a big 5th grader! As I ponder what I want to say in my yearly back to school blog - I don't want to focus on the general back-to-school theme, but gain the attention of foster parents specifically. What I hope foster parents remember to do this school year. Try to send your foster children to school in clothes and shoes that the kids can be proud of owning, not all hand-me-downs, or noticeably used garage sale finds. Children can be cruel and foster children have enough to battle just with the title "foster kid". Your foster child benefits from after-school activities too. After gaining social worker and birth parent permission - look into sports, clubs, or other activities. Buy their school picture. Some refuse to spend money on their foster children's school pictures.� Buy a modest package and place the pictures in their lifebooks, give some to the birth parents, and hang one on your living-room wall. Nothing will make the child feel like they belong more than seeing their picture hanging next to other family member's pictures. Volunteer in some capacity at least once this year. It can be a small gesture, donate cookies to a party; or bigger, help out on a field trip. Your presence will help the teacher feel more comfortable speaking to you about any concerns, you can observe your foster child interact with peers, and you will validate your love and concern for the child when he sees you caring about him by just being there. Go to the child's school conferences. Invite the birth parents, if appropriate. Attend their school programs, games, and other events. Again, invite the birth parents, if appropriate. Advocate for your foster child's educational needs. You are the expert on that child while he is in your home. If, for example, visitation during the school day is not working out, then report that to the child's social worker. Advocate! Remember your foster child's confidentiality - even at school What ideas would you add to this list for foster parents sending their foster children off to school this year? Click "Comments" below and share. This blog post is part of the All About Parenting Back to School Blog Carnival, hosted by Jennifer Wolf, the Guide to Single Parents.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Ways to Help

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Ways to Help Jul 26th 2011, 10:00 So you've checked out the article, Should I Foster and decided that fostering a child is not for you or your family at this time. Yet, you still want to help, but wonder how? Here are 9 ways to do just that. Provide Respite. Go ahead and get your foster care license and provide respite care to other foster families or do emergency foster care. Emergency care can mean having a foster child in your home for a short period of time. An emergency placement can last anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days. Drive! Many agencies need people to drive foster children to various appointments. Appointments could be visits with birth family, medical or dental visits, or to a new foster home. Some trips may entail long distances. Call your local agencies and see if this is a need in your area. Walk! Through a new walking event, Walk Me Home, teams can raise funds that will directly benefit local agencies that work with foster children and the families that serve them. Become a Court-Appointed Special Advocate/CASA. CASA workers are volunteers that work with the court and the foster homes to see that the children are not lost in the system and that their needs and wants are heard. Become a Big Brother or Sister. Spend 3-4 hours a week with a child and make a difference. Have fun! Teach them a new hobby or learn about theirs. Not every child in the Big Brother Big Sister organization is a foster child, but many are. Help make a difference by taking time for a child. Find out more at the Big Brother/Big Sister website. Provide a job. Give a foster child a chance to learn and grow. Many youth in the foster care system have a difficult time finding work due to the stigma of being a "foster kid". You could help by reaching out to these young people and providing them with their first work experience. Volunteer at a children's home. Children's homes are usually one of the first stops on the foster care journey for many kids, or it could be a stop in-between foster homes. Children's homes are often looking for volunteers to do many different duties. Some may include wrapping Christmas/Birthday gifts, sorting through donations, reading to the children, or even playing games. Find out what your local children's home's needs are and see what you can do to help. Donate. Donate items to a children's home or foster care agency. Many need school supplies, shoes, clothes, or even toys. Suitcases or bags of any kind are often needed. Did you know that many children go from home to home with their belongings in trash bags? Make sure you donate items that are in good repair. If you wouldn't let your own child wear it, don't send it on to agencies or homes. Some places prefer new items so call ahead. Buy a necklace! Yep, it can be that easy to help out a foster child. Net proceeds from the sale of the Tangled Heart Necklace supports the Tangled Hearts Scholarship for children form the foster care system. The fund is administered by the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA). There are many ways to help children in foster care. Call your local foster care agencies or children's home and see what needs you can fulfill.

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Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now: Birth Mother Poems

Adoption / Foster Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Birth Mother Poems Jul 26th 2011, 10:00 Birth Mother Poems | Foster Care Adoption Poems | Adoptee Poems | Adoption Reunion Poems | Adoptive Parent Poems | Adoption Poems for Little Ones Adoption poems specifically, birth mother poems, sent in by readers of About Adoption & Foster Care. If you have a birth mother poem that you would like to share for possible publication, please submit it to About Adoption & Foster Care for review. Adoption Birth Mother Poems Written by Birth Mothers On the Wings of a Prayer Forever Is a Lie The Promise Written by a Teenage Birth Mother Adoption Birth Mother Poems about a Birth Mother's Love A Mother's Love Until Forever She Loves Me I Dream of You Before the Dawn To Her Birthmother Two Women Adoption Poems Written by Young Birth Mother's Written by a Teenage Birth Mother Adoption Poems Written by Birthfathers Adoption Poems by Subject - Main Page

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