FOCUS on Foster Families Video Index

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Title
Advice to foster parents from a current foster youth Advice to foster parents from a current foster youth Key Point: Many foster youth have experienced big challenges, it is important for caregivers to be supportive and good role models. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Use active listening to help youth feel heard and supported. Model strategies for managing challenges by remembering to take time for yourself when you feel stressed. Goal setting is an important skill for youth, help them set their goals using SCORE
Advice for foster parents Advice for foster parents Key Point: Annika and Maria explain the importance of patience as a foster parent or caregiver. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills It's a good habit can be a helpful activity to help youth feel comfortable with your household routines and expectations. When youth are ready to open up, active listening strategies show them that you care. Problem solve challenging situtations using SNAP.
Advice from a foster youth who has had difficult experiences Advice from a foster youth who has had difficult experiences Key Point: Identifying a support system can help you through even the roughest times. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Moving around can be stressful, try some of these activities to help you calm down. Tough situtations can affect our thoughts and feelings, this activity focuses on dealing with those negative thoughts. If you do not feel safe, there are many crisis lines available.
Advocate for yourself and take charge Advocate for yourself and take charge Key Point: Asking questions and communicating clearly can help you feel more in control of your situation. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Get clarification from others when needed. Use 'I statements' as a way to advocate for your needs. Keep track of how you are feeling using the Feeling Thermometer, consider talking to someone you trust.
Advocating for your child in all of their settings Advocating for your child in all of their settings Key Point: As a foster caregiver, you have navigated a complex system and achieved your goal. These skills will help you advocate for your child's goals. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Use effective communication to develop partnerships with key people. Help your child set their goals and achieve them using the SCORE System! Find additional resources in your area using the online resources section.
Assessing medical and developmental challenges Assessing medical and developmental challenges Key Point: It is important to explore the resources available for idenfitying medical or developmental challenges in youth. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Take the 'Ages and Stages' online survey to see if a youth requires immediate follow-up. Check this chart to see the common milestones for youth at different ages. Visit our online resources page for more information about these challenges and where you can go for help.
Be a mirror that focuses on the ways they are wonderful Be a mirror that focuses on the ways they are wonderful Key Point: Effective caregiver/youth communication can help young people identify their own strengths and feel heard by those around them. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Effective communciation helps families better understand each others needs. This Family Collage activity will get everyone involved in talking about the strengths of your family. A great way to encourage a young child is to play with them. Watch a DEMO! Use the Comic Creator to help start conversations with your child. Download the app to play!
Challenge of being a foster to adopt parent Challenge of being a foster to adopt parent Key Point: Remember to reach out for support, you are not alone Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills When you feel upset or frustrated, taking a moment for yourself can help Use 'I statements' to help you effectively communicate your frustrations Check out our resources section for information and ways to connect with other caregivers
Court was very intimidating but don't let that get to you Court was very intimidating but don't let that get to you Key Point: Navigating the court system can be challenging. Keep in mind that your needs and opinions are important, share them! Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills Practice effective communication strategies to help you clearly express your needs. Having a goal for your meetings in court can help you stay on track. You may encounter challenges - try this strategy for identifying solutions
DEMONSTRATION: Dealing with a tantrum DEMONSTRATION: Dealing with a tantrum Key Point: Communication and problem solving are key skills related to dealing with a tantrum or other challenging behavior. Focus Tools: Use these worksheets to practice key FOCUS skills These effective communication strategies can help you get your point across. Find a strategy to keep yourself calm throughout a tantrum using this list. Learn more about what you can expect from your child at various ages and problem solve around potential challenges.

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