Resource parents have a big influence on the children in their care—especially when it comes to their health. After all, every day offers opportunities to model and teach children about nutrition, exercise, and caring for their bodies. On top of that, resource parents take children to appointments and provide hands-on care to help them manage colds and more serious medical conditions.
To support this essential work, this issue provides information on a variety of subjects related to the health of young people in foster care. In it you’ll find ideas for managing food-related behaviors in children who have experienced trauma, as well as tips related to diabetes care, oral health, the HPV vaccine, and more. We hope you find it helpful.
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Quick Tips for Foster Parents and Kin Caregivers
At Placement
- For kids ages 0 – 3, ask if there’s been a referral to early intervention services.
- If DSS doesn’t share health summary forms 5206 (Initial Visit), 5208 (30-Day Comprehensive Visit), and 5209 (Well Visit), follow up—they contain key information!
- Inform the child’s doctor (whose name will be on the child’s Medicaid card) the child is in your care.
Communication
- Tell the agency of any significant development in a child’s health, or if you need help with the child’s physical care.
- Maintain open communication with the agency. It may be able to offer support (e.g., respite) to help ease the stress of caring for the child.
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