The Riverside Project

34% of children in the U.S. foster care system are placed with a relative, which is known as kinship care. Kinship care occurs when extended relatives, such as grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and even close friends (referred to as “fictive kin”) provide homes for children who have been separated from their birth parents. This falls into four types of kinship care: 1️⃣ Informal 2️⃣ Voluntary 3️⃣ Formal 4️⃣ Verified Formal Each of these types vary when it comes to factors such as CPS involvement, length of care, financial aid, and more. The majority of children in kinship care are in an informal placement, which means that their caregivers do not receive assistance from the state nor do they have official custody of the child. To learn more about each type and the nuances of kinship care, read "What is Kinship Care? (& Resources You Should Be Aware Of)" here: https://lnkd.in/gFP8fKh8

Did you know that one powerful way you can support foster families and vulnerable children is through babysitter training? Foster and biological families cannot thrive in isolation. They need help to attend routine doctor's appointments, court dates, go to work, and find time to recharge. We are on a mission to provide trusted individuals with the necessary training to fill this role and support families in Houston. Sign-up for this training taking place on February 15th here: https://lnkd.in/gt-UPhtc

When you combine the uncertainty of stepping into a new role with the fact that every child brings a completely different story to the table, it's nearly impossible to know exactly what to expect as a first-time foster parent. In this brand new episode of our podcast, Christian & Morgan Nichols share about their foster care journey. Morgan is an elementary school nurse and Christian serves as the Director of Nursing over two intensive care units. You'll hear how they navigated the transition to becoming foster parents, some of the most helpful advice they received along the way, the highs and lows of foster care, and much more. 🎧 Watch or listen here: https://lnkd.in/g6CtvmQc

We love hearing feedback like this! 💙 Not just anyone can support foster parents in getting a much-needed break or a night out. Certified foster care babysitters help provide rest and support for caregivers and foster parents, which makes a direct impact on children and families in Houston. People just like Leah are finding their place along The River to help vulnerable children and families through Babysitter Training. You can discover more about our Babysitter Training and how it provides critical help to families by visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/gGMZ8Xv8

We need your input! The goal of The Riverside Project Podcast is to provide a greater understanding of the issues facing our community and inspire others to find their place along The River. This is where you come in: Who would you love to see on the podcast this year? Leave a comment or tag the person you think would be a great fit. 🎙️⤵️

Which of these reminders stands out to you? 🤔 By practicing intentional privacy in your foster care journey, you create an environment where children and families feel respected, secure, and safe. Navigating questions about the children in your care can feel tricky at first. In our latest blog, we're sharing some strategies to help it all feel more clear. 💙 For 4 common questions you likely will get from curious people and how you can respond, along with 5 practical principles to adopt when it comes to maintaining privacy and respect, read our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/gQQDTb-k

Did you know our entire website can be translated into Spanish? In fact, most of the pages on our website are translated by hand, including many of our blogs and resources, so that we are fully confident in the accuracy and clarity. Just click the button in the top, right corner to switch it from English to Spanish the next time you visit our website!

Having a support system can make all the difference. Often, an 18-year-old aging out of foster care has to face life decisions most people wouldn’t expect to tackle until their mid-20s. It’s a daunting situation that can feel impossible to face alone Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence, joined us for the latest episode of the podcast to share the challenges children who are aging out face and how we can support them. Watch or listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gHkZRS4x

For those along the River who are foster parents, it's our responsibility to protect the children in our care.   To protect their bodies, yes. But also to protect their stories. By practicing intentional privacy in your foster care journey, you create an environment where children feel truly respected, secure, and safe. Navigating questions about the children in your care can feel tricky at first, but this week on the blog, we're sharing some strategies to help it all feel more clear. 💙 For 4 common questions you likely will get from curious people and how you can respond, along with 5 practical principles to adopt when it comes to maintaining privacy and respect, read our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/gQQDTb-k

This is such a great reminder for the impact a consistent, safe adult can have in the life of a child! Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence, shares this quote and more about how we can best support young adults who are about to age out of foster care. Watch or listen here: https://lnkd.in/gHkZRS4x