Vol. 5, No. 2 • May 2001

Ways to support foster parents around visitation

• Make the importance of foster parents' role in visits clear by keeping them abreast of any changes and having an ongoing discussion about visiting
  
  
• Facilitate pre-placement visits between the foster child and family whenever possible
  
  
• Tell foster families what kinds of behaviors they can realistically expect to see on the part of birth parents and children before, during, and after a visit
  
  
• Involve foster parents in meetings with the biological family and providers
  
  
• Ensure foster families receive ongoing education, particularly about the reasons for and effects of visitation
  
  
• Facilitate peer support by connecting foster families to each other, particularly through local and state foster parent associations
  
  
• Discuss with foster families how they will handle any visit-related problems, and make sure they know you are open and available to discuss any issues or concerns they have
  
  
• Avoid overcomplicating visitation for foster families by placing too many children from different families or too many special needs children in one home
  
  
• Involve foster families in the planning of the visit schedule; always keep the family's schedule and needs in mind when planning visit times and locations
  
  
• Encourage and appreciate foster parents for their efforts to support visitation and to work with birth parents

 

Copyright � 2001 Jordan Institute for Families