Welcome! In this section, you will find videos and resources for foster adoptive parents, caregivers, and relatives.
Explore each section, to hear from mental health, social service, and legal experts as well as stories and experiences from other foster-adoptive parents, caregivers, and relatives. The videos and resources in this section will help you learn new ways to support a child during periods of transition and also understand how their emotions might impact their behavior.
We're so glad you're here!
Todos los videos incluyen subtítulos en español. Si no se muestran automáticamente, simplemente presione el botón [CC] en la sección de controles abajo del video y seleccione español.
Understanding and responding to challenging behaviors
Understand where the child is coming from
Trauma and loss are strong feelings that affect many foster youth and can often have an affect on behavior.
Discipline and consequences
Set up clear expectations for youth and be consistent when it comes to consequences
When you have an argument with your foster child
Parents should be positioned as the leaders of their household. Remember to lead by example even when you feel challenged or hurt.
Do not take child reactions personally
Kids may have negative reactions to the adjustment of living in a new home.
Uneven development: Sometimes our teen acts like a little kid
Kids may have negative reactions to the adjustment of living in a new home.
Skills to build your family
The roller coaster ride of adoption
Brenda shares her advice for managing tough emotions during the adoption process
GUIDE: Preparing for visits with birth parents
Strategies like creating a predictable plan and communicating the order of events can be very helpful when it comes to preparing children for situations like visiting a birth parent.
Be a mirror that focuses on the ways they are wonderful
Effective caregiver/youth communication can help young people identify their own strengths and feel heard by those around them.
DEMONSTRATION: Responding to behavior problems
Problem solving around difficult behavior and setting realistic expectations is an important part of creating a positive home environment.
DEMONSTRATION: Preparing for a visit with a birth parent
Strategies like creating a predictable plan and communicating the order of events can be very helpful when it comes to preparing children for situations like visiting a birth parent.
DEMONSTRATION: Holding a family meeting
Setting aside a weekly (or monthly) time for a family meeting is a great way to involve everyone in new plans or problem solve around recent challenges.
DEMONSTRATION: Playing with a young child
Play is an important part of your child's development and building a positive caregiving relationship.
DEMONSTRATION: Dealing with a tantrum
Communication and problem solving are key skills related to dealing with a tantrum or other challenging behavior.
I gave my foster child her childhood back
Set up clear expectations for youth and be consistent when it comes to consequences
Challenge of being a foster to adopt parent
Remember to reach out for support, you are not alone
Advocating for and accessing services
Assessing medical and developmental challenges
It is important to explore the resources available for idenfitying medical or developmental challenges in youth.
When to turn to professional help
Be open to seeking out help from others for yourself or any of your family members.
Advocating for your child in all of their settings
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.
The importance of early intervention
Touching base with youth about how they are doing can help you stay on top of early warning signs and seek help when needed.
Thank you message to caregivers
Being a caregiver can be challenging but there are resources available to help
Advice from foster and adoptive youth
Advice for foster parents
Annika and Maria explain the importance of patience as a foster parent or caregiver.
You need to take it slowly
Be patient as youth adjust to your home and family routines.
One night I was crying and my foster mom just held me
Creating a positive caregiver/youth relationship is key to helping teens deal with tough emotions and challenging times.
I use to hate everyone building trust took time
Building a relationship does not happen overnight. Remember to create an positive environment through open communication.
Advice to foster parents from a current foster youth
Many foster youth have experienced big challenges, it is important for caregivers to be supportive and good role models.