In our society, there is a great need for people who can step up and be foster parents. They must have the patience to help these children reach adulthood with encouragement along their journey. They also need caring hearts that want nothing more than what’s best for each individual person they take on in this role of guardianship. We’re BCFS Health & Human Services CSD, a leader in providing services to young people in or from foster care. Our nonprofit organization works closely with both groups, along with various advocates to ensure foster kids receive the best chance and a productive, independent future in adulthood. 

Fostering a child is an uncertain process. It can be hard to plan because the child’s living situation may change at any moment, and they might return home with their former caregiver or go through another transition entirely. Foster parents need to manage their emotions during such transitions as well as focus on what will make this placement work best for all involved. 

It’s difficult for foster parent to manage the responsibilities of caring for children and handling visits from birth parents or sibling. They’re often supervised by social workers so they need to gauge progress as well as determine if such visits should continue. BCFS Health and Human Services CSD recommends foster parents support these interactions while also helping during any related emotions like anger or resentment. 

Many foster parents find themselves caring for kids who’ve experienced traumatic events. It can be difficult to show love, empathy, and patience in the face of such trauma, but most foster parents are up to the task. Foster parents should consider talking to a therapist to give them strategies for managing the child’s trauma and related actions such as withdrawal or anger.