Foster Parent Perspective:
An Interview with a Former Foster Parent, Social Worker, & Child Welfare Trainer
What does and doesn't work to support children in care
Schools can help students living in foster care
Partner with both biological and foster parents. Your school mental health staff are a great resource, seek them out to help arrange these meetings and keep everyone on track with the shared goal of positive social, emotional, behavioral, & academic growth of the student.
1.
Increase staff capacity around trauma:
-
School-wide Trauma-Informed training: online/in-person
-
Professional learning time spent in book clubs
-
See Resources tab for more information
2.
Promote a school culture where self-care is not only valued, it is expected. School administrators can set the tone for self-care by not sending emails outside of designated hours and providing opportunities for self-care during professional development.
3.
1.
Keep an open mind about foster parents. Whenever possible, include them in team meetings and keep them informed about how the student is doing. View foster parents as a resource, ask them what works to help the child in the home.
​
2.
Recognize that case workers may not be able to share sensitive information with the school. This is okay, because schools now know that just being in foster care means a child has experienced some level of trauma.
3.
What schools can, and should, ask case workers:
-
Who should we contact in an emergency?
-
What supports are in place for the student?
-
What is the students' permanency plan?
Navigate challenges that may arise when dealing with the Child Welfare System