There are countless ways in which resource parents and child welfare professionals can support youth in care. Providing thoughtful and intentional support should always be one of the top priorities of individuals facilitating the growth and development of children and youth who have experienced trauma. Because every child and youth is unique and their experiences vary, there is no one formula or path that will meet the needs of everyone.
As a caregiver or child welfare professional, it’s your responsibility to find the best way to support the children and youth you are working alongside. Support can be something as small spending quality time together, or as big as connecting children and youth with much needed resources. Either way, we know that when children and youth are surrounded by supportive adults meeting their individualized needs, their outcomes improve.
In this issue of Fostering Perspectives, our contributors wanted to share what they do support children and youth every day. You will read contributions for resource parents, professionals, and those with lived experience as they discuss supporting mental health, building support networks, supporting children and youth with incarcerated parents, and much more. We hope you find it helpful.
