by Kate Schultz
Research suggests that nearly half of licensed foster parents will quit after just one year of fostering. However, the need for quality, loving foster homes is continually increasing. Access to appropriate resources, supports, and interventions can make or break a placement. When resource families feel supported and equipped to meet the needs of the children in their care placements are stabilized, disruptions are minimized, and outcomes for youth are improved. So, why are foster families leaving in droves? Let’s evaluate some of the barriers to support:
Awareness: Many resource families and social workers simply aren’t aware of what’s available or how to access necessary resources. This can cause families to feel ill-equipped to handle challenging situations and behaviors that can ultimately result in disruption, consequences at school for the child, etc.
Referral Time: Some families are required to go through lengthy processes to prove the need for a service. This could cause a significant time lapse from the moment a referral is submitted to the time the child is seen by a specialist.
Agency Approval: Many agencies must approve referrals or attend initial appointments which can delay the process.
Lack of trauma-informed care: Implicit bias and a lack of trauma- informed systems of care can lead to children being labeled or underserved. Often in school settings, children can be misunderstood and receive consequences for behaviors that aren’t appropriate interventions due to their trauma histories. Youth already have so many hurdles to jump through while navigating trauma and life in foster care. It’s imperative that their resource parents and social workers know how to overcome barriers and advocate for resources and support. Below are some resource parents tips for advocating on behalf of the children in your care:
Document everything: Keep track of doctor appointments, diagnoses, behaviors, consequences, developmental milestones, grades in school, or anything else that will be helpful. The more information you have about the child, the more prepared you will be to advocate for a specific service.
Communicate: Keep the social workers, GAL or CASA, and other neccesary parties in the loop about your concerns and what you need to be successful. The social worker can’t assist or support you as the resource parent if they don’t know what your needs are.
Know what’s available: Some communities have more resources than others, but a little research can increase your awareness of what’s available and help you feel more empowered to support the child in your care. There are numerous community organizations in North Carolina that are available to assist families in identifying and securing interventions. Some of these include, but are not limited to, NC LINKS, SaySo, Foster Family Alliance of NC, your child’s GAL or CASA, education lawyers, education advocates, and ECAC (Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center).
Be professional: Be mindful of the details you share about your child and stick to the facts that are relevant to the type of support you are advocating for. For example, teachers don’t always need to know the child’s full trauma history in order to support them better in the classroom. Communicate through the proper channels (i.e. phone, email, in person, etc.) and follow the recommended chain of command. Advocacy is much more effective when boundaries are respected.
Advocacy is hard work, but it is worth it because the children in our care are worth the time, energy, stress, and sometimes tears it takes to get the help we all need to be successful. It can be draining, so don’t forget to take care of yourself while also doing everything you can to take care of them!
Kate Schultz is a resource parent and the Deputy Director of the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina
