Caraway Home’s Post

Did you know? 🤔 For the first time since before Texas CASA’s founding 35 years ago, the state is updating how it pays for foster care services through Texas Child-Centered Care. The goal is to improve outcomes for children in foster care, including those in Community-Based Care areas, while recognizing + compensating caregivers for delivering high-quality services. Help us support local CASA programs face these transitions with the support, training and tools necessary to succeed: bit.ly/FosterCareMonth24

I keep taking about upstream community solutions, meanwhile, Ken & Darlene Tipton are out there making it happen. They founded Foster Folks after realizing that they had excess time and energy to spend on grandkids - but theirs lived too far away. "We searched for a way to become foster Grandparents, but there was none. We created FosterFolks.com to connect with families that have no Grandparents." Honestly - to spend your time thinking about how you can give your excess away rather than gather more? This is the best of humanity right here. If you want to be a foster grandparent or aunt or uncle, check out their website: www.fosterfolks.com (PS Share the word- from their website: "We have put all of our funds into the development of FosterFolks.com and have little left to market the website. Please pass on our website and Facebook link to your email and social media contacts.") #mentalhealth #moreofthis #absolutelyyes

While the "Are the Children Well?" report may not be more than three years old it is still part of United Way of Waco-McLennan County's 100-year history. In 2021, the McLennan County Child Well-being Movement released "Are the Children Well?". This report highlighted challenges facing children and families in certain neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for comprehensive community support. The findings stressed the importance of a holistic, two-generational approach to child well-being, where family success is integral to children's thriving. In response, the McLennan County Child Well-being Community Action Plan has been developed, outlining strategies to improve local systems and policies. This plan aims to enhance outcomes for children and families across the county, requiring collaboration across sectors. It signals the beginning of a concerted effort to ensure all local families receive the support they need for children to flourish. Continued community engagement, strategizing, and action will drive lasting change for generations to come.

Fostering and the growth of Families Fostering is more than providing a temporary home for children in need; it's about creating a nurturing environment where both children and families can grow and thrive together. The Impact of Fostering on Families: - Strengthening Family Bonds: Fostering encourages families to come together, working as a team to provide a loving and supportive home for children. - Teaching Empathy and Compassion: Welcoming a foster child into your home teaches family members, especially children, the values of empathy, compassion, and understanding. - Building Lifelong Connections: Many foster families form lasting bonds with the children they care for, creating extended family networks that can last a lifetime. At Black Foster Carers Alliance, we are here to support you on your fostering journey. We offer comprehensive training, resources, and ongoing support to ensure that both you and the children in your care thrive. If you're ready to open your heart and home to a child in need, reach out to us today. Together, we can foster not only the growth of children but the growth of families, creating stronger, more compassionate communities. #fosteringgoals #fostercare #culturalcompetency

Focus, support, reform. Three powerful messages from The Fostering Network’s 2024 manifesto. Do you foster or work in social care? What would you do to: Focus on care experienced children. Support Foster Carers. Reform the system. #fostering #fostercareawareness #fostercare #youngpeoplematter #careexperienced #socialcare #socialwork

DID YOU KNOW? Over 140,000 children are in out-of-home care in Pennsylvania, including foster care and kinship care. That's why we need YOUR help! If you are considering becoming a foster or kinship care parent to make a difference in children's lives, Wesley Family Services offers programs to support this journey. Learn more about foster and kinship care at https://lnkd.in/esGifn5e

🌟 Building Stronger Families, Brighter Futures: 🏠 The risk of children entering the foster care system is a pressing concern for families and communities alike. At CMS, we are dedicated to preventing these heartbreaking situations and ensuring that every child has a loving and stable environment to thrive in. 💕 We understand the emotional, social, and developmental impacts that entering foster care can have on children. That's why we work tirelessly to provide the support, resources, and intervention needed to keep families intact and children safe. 🤝 Through our comprehensive family support programs, crisis intervention, and community-wide initiatives, we address the root causes of family crises. Our goal is to empower families, equip them with the necessary tools, and strengthen their bonds so that children can grow up in a loving and nurturing environment. 🌈 By preventing foster care placements, we not only ensure the well-being of individual children but also uphold the stability and harmony of the entire community. Together, we can break the cycle, protect the future of our children, and create a brighter, more resilient society. 💫 Support CMS in building stronger families and brighter futures. Together, let's make a lasting difference. Mediatenyc.org #CMSLife #FamilySupport #PreventFosterCare #EmpowerFamilies #ChildWelfare #StrongerCommunities #WeAreCMS

Preparing for a child's arrival in a foster home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are 5 tips to help you get ready: 1️⃣ Create a Welcoming Space: Make sure the child's room is cozy, clean, and ready for their arrival. 2️⃣ Stock Up on Essentials: From toiletries to clothing, have the basics on hand to meet the child's immediate needs. 3️⃣ Discuss House Rules: Keep a list of house rules and routines to help ease the transition. 4️⃣ Plan Nutritious Meals: Have meal options that are both nutritious and kid-friendly. 5️⃣ Open Your Heart: Show empathy and understanding as the child adjusts to a new environment. At Fostering UNITY, we offer resources and community support to ensure that both foster parents and children feel welcomed and supported.

👶 Ripple Effects Community Foster Closet: Urgent Support When You Need It Most 💕 🚪 Open Doors, Open Hearts: Our Community Foster Closet operates Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, offering essential items for foster families. 🆘 Urgent Requests? We're Here: We understand the urgency that often comes with fostering. If you're in need outside our regular hours, reach out - we strive to accommodate urgent requests. 👕🍼 From Clothing to Baby Supplies: Whether it's clothing, baby supplies, or toys, we aim to provide what you need to make your foster journey a bit easier. 🤝 Supporting Our Foster Community: Our goal is to ensure no foster family goes without the essentials. Your family's immediate needs matter to us. 💖 Together, We Make a Difference: By supporting each other, we build a stronger, more compassionate community. Let's help every child feel at home. 📞 Need urgent assistance or want to learn more? https://lnkd.in/g4XkZ8Di #RippleEffectsCIC #FosterCloset #CommunitySupport #FosterCareSupport

September is National Kinship Care Month! When parents are unable to care for their children, whether temporarily or long-term, children are best served by staying within their extended families. National Kinship Care Month recognizes the unconditional love, support, and sacrifices of those caring for a loved one’s children. These kinship caregivers include young adults who postpone going to college to support and care for younger siblings and keep them out of foster care. They are retired grandparents who return to work to provide for their grandchildren. They are close family friends who make room for one more to ensure a child stays connected to their family, community, and culture. They are the kids who willingly share their space with their cousins whose parents are struggling. (source: Coalition for Children, Youth & Families; link: https://lnkd.in/g5CHw7Nr) According to the National CASA/GAL Association for Children 2021 Annual Local Program Survey Report, of the 140,736 children and youth served by CASA/GAL programs documented as being in out-of-home placements during 2021, 28 percent of the children were placed with relatives.