Social Work Appreciation Month: Challenges and Reforms
In recognition of Social Work Appreciation Month this March (or Social Work Month), we shed light on the critical role social workers play in child welfare. The 2024 theme for Social Work Appreciation Month, “Empowering Social Workers,” underscores the need for increased support for these professionals. We discuss the challenges social workers face daily in […]
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care, also known as kinship placement, is a form of out-of-home placement. Instead of staying with a family they may not know, children are cared for by relatives or close family friends when their biological parents cannot provide suitable care. This setup provides a viable alternative to traditional foster care and sometimes even leads […]
How to Help Children Overcome Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a natural emotional response that many children experience when separated from their primary caregivers. While it’s common among toddlers and preschoolers, children in foster care might exhibit these symptoms more intensely or for a prolonged period due to the unique challenges they face. Understanding the symptoms and how to address them allows […]
What is Wraparound Care?
Whether you’re fostering a child or raising your own, childcare is immensely meaningful and rewarding. But it can also be extremely difficult. That’s why it’s important to consider your options when it comes to methods and resources, particularly when a child in your care struggles with behavioral health. We dive into the concept of wraparound […]
Bridging the Gap: The Need for Foster Parents of Teens
In our troubled foster care system today, thousands of teens desperately need stable homes and the support of dedicated foster parents. We take a closer look at the reality of teens in foster care, the challenges they face, and how prospective foster parents can make a meaningful impact by fostering a teen. Teens in Foster […]
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma leaves a lasting mark. It often causes long-term effects, including emotional challenges like chronic anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder; behavioral changes such as increased aggression or substance abuse; difficulties in forming healthy relationships; and much more. That’s why trauma needs to be taken into account in settings like the foster care system, where […]
Foster Care vs Adoption: Understanding the Differences
When we talk about providing a stable, loving environment for children in need, two concepts often come up: foster care and adoption. Though the two share common ground, they’re not the same. We delve into the distinct characteristics and differences between foster care and adoption. What is Foster Care? Foster care exists as a temporary […]
Childhood Trauma and the Importance of Good Memories
Childhood, often reminisced about with fondness, forms the bedrock of who we are as adults. From the joyous giggles of a birthday party to comforting lullabies sung at night, childhood memories become woven into the very fabric of our beings. They shape and impact us well into adulthood. Yet, for many children — especially those […]
Holiday Giving: Creative Ways to Budget
Nothing embodies the spirit of the holiday season quite like generosity. Holiday giving allows us to focus on others, support efforts we care deeply about, and inspire joy and kindness in those around us. But since budgets are notoriously tighter in the winter months, it can be easy to let opportunities for giving pass us […]
How to Promote Mental Health at Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving and the holiday season just around the corner, some people look forward to upcoming family gatherings. However, others might be wary of Thanksgiving drama. While the holidays represent a time of coziness and coming together, they may also spark tension and conflict. On top of arguments or the airing of old wounds, Thanksgiving […]
7 Signs a Nonprofit is Trustworthy
Today, there are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. When you look to donate your money, time, or effort to a worthy cause, you’ve got lots of options — maybe too many. While you can narrow your choices down based on the missions and values that resonate the most with you, it’s […]
How To Help a Child in Your Care Prepare for College
When a child in your care considers college, a lot of decisions and changes come your way seemingly all at once. Getting college-ready can be tricky to navigate, and students looking ahead to their future can feel overwhelmed and stressed at times. We put together a quick overview of what you should know to help […]
