A Foster Care Glossary of Acronyms: DCS, CASA, GAL, and More
The first foster care interest meeting can sound like a foreign language if you’ve never been exposed to child welfare services before. “The CFTM is set for Thursday, the GAL wants an update before the permanency hearing, a judge has assigned a CASA, and ICPC paperwork is holding everything up.” If you feel lost, don’t […]
Foster Care Stipends: What Foster Families Need to Know
When people consider foster parenting, one of the first questions they may ask is: What is a foster care stipend, and how does it work? Caring for a child involves real, everyday costs, and it’s normal to be concerned about the financial impacts of taking in a child. Families deserve clear information before they say […]
Best Books for Children in Foster Care: 4 Titles Worth Reading
Bookstores and libraries provide a large selection of titles for children in foster care, but it can be difficult to know which one to choose. To help narrow it down, we picked our favorites based on reader ratings, application, and overall quality. Each one also reflects a trauma-informed understanding of what a child in foster […]
What Is a Foster Parent Bill of Rights?
Understanding your rights as a foster parent is one of the most important things you can do to advocate for yourself and the children in your care. Here, we look at the protections and purposes of a Foster Parent Bill of Rights. Key Takeaways What Is a Foster Parent Bill of Rights? Foster parenting is […]
Daycare for Kids in Foster Care: Vouchers, Waitlists, and What to Ask For
Finding daycare for kids in foster care often becomes urgent very quickly. A new placement can happen with little warning, and caregivers need safe, reliable care right away so they can work, attend appointments, and help a child settle into a new routine. While help is available, the process can be confusing. Child care vouchers, […]
Understanding Normalcy Rules in Foster Care: Travel, Sleepovers, Sports
For many children, growing up includes sleepovers, school trips, birthday parties, sports, church retreats, movie nights, summer camp, and visits with friends. For children in foster care, these normal everyday experiences can sometimes raise questions about safety and permission. Foster parents may wonder: Can my foster child go on a sleepover? Join a sports team? […]
How to Talk to Your Child About Foster Care and Adoption
When families decide to explore the exciting journey of foster care or adoption, it likely raises questions for biological kids in the home. Helping biological children understand the process builds a supportive and welcoming environment for the whole family. Yet many parents struggle to start this big conversation. If you’re nervous about how to talk to your child about […]
Apps for Foster Parents: Foster Friendly and More
Apps for foster parents put effective support at their fingertips. In the child welfare space, nonprofits and government agencies are embracing digital resources. Among their number is our Tennessee-based partner, the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI). With our help, the GFBCI created Every Child TN to better serve children and families involved in foster […]
