Circles of Support: Caregivers Need Care, Too

When you think of why you became a foster parent, and the traits that you possess that help you on your journey, what comes to mind? Dedication? Compassion? Nurturing? Those and other strengths are the qualities that make you the great foster parent you are! However, these same attributes, if not used thoughtfully and if left unrefreshed, can lead you down a path of feeling overwhelmed and burned out.

We all know fostering is tough. Balancing the needs of children who have been traumatized with the complex needs of birth families, along with the demands of your own family, is a bit like walking a tightrope. Add in all the challenging demands from the court system, as well as requests from your own caseworker and agency, and you are on a very demanding journey!

Articles include:

• Circles of Support: Caregivers Need Support, Too
• Missing Link: When Your Circle of Support Falls Apart
• Seeking Connections: Helping Youth in Care Build their Circles of Support
• Making their Voices Heard: Connecting Older Youth to One Another

 

Download: FAW Fall 2017

Author: Coalition for Children, Youth & Families
Additional Author: Foster Care & Adoption Resource Center