Topic: Foster Care 101

Foster Care 101: Tips For Successful Foster Parents

Foster Care 101: Tips For Successful Foster Parents

Foster parents are caught between two competing public narratives. They are the often overlooked couples trying to help children in need, or they are people taking advantage of the government for a little extra income. The truth is that foster parenting takes hard work and emotional strength. We sat down with foster parents and the social workers who guide them to talk about what you need to be a successful foster care provider. More »

Foster Care 101: Child Protective Services Aren’t The Enemy

Foster Care 101: Child Protective Services Aren't The Enemy

There’s a common refrain among parents that their kids cannot have another injury, “because the hospital is just going to call CPS.” I’m not sure where the rumor got started, but we all assume that one too many slips off the jungle gym will land your family with in-home visits. It’s often said as a joke. But that doesn’t stop a parent’s fear every time their child gets hurt that someone might assume they’re an unfit guardian. So I decided to talk to a friend who actually helps to make that call. She’s a hospital social worker, and it’s her job to decide if a child’s injury needs further investigation. Here’s what she had to tell me. More »