Megan M. Hamm Parent-Child Relationship Expert, LPC-S, RPT’s Post

How should we measure our foster parents success? Shannon Clark from evolve Therapeutic Children's Services shares some thoughts in our latest blog #fostercare

Supporting children who have experienced trauma can be challenging, but foster parents play a critical role in their recovery. Our latest article shares how foster parents can create safe, stable environments using a trauma-informed approach. Learn practical strategies like the PACE method (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) to help children heal, build trust, and feel empowered. Read the full article to discover how foster carers can impact a child's life. 🌟 #SocialCare #FosterCare #Trauma #Safeguarding

As an advocate for families interested in becoming foster parents, I emphasize the critical need for a strong support system. Foster parents often experience burnout and compassion fatigue, typically setting in around 18 months. It is vital for foster families to have reliable resources to lean on for emotional support and guidance in navigating day-to-day challenges. Without this crucial support, the decline in foster parents will persist, ultimately impacting the well-being of the children in care. #fostercare #supportsystem #childwelfare #fosterfamilies #fosteringsaveslives #fostering #fosteringhope

Day 3 of Training: Key Insights on Foster Care As we wrap up the third day of our training, (in fact, we delivered similar 5-day training in Karakol in August) and based on interactions in both locations, I’ve gathered some key insights: 1. Foster Parenting is a Passion Foster parents here are incredibly passionate. They’re eager to learn, share experiences, and grow in their role. It’s heartwarming to see a foster father accompany his wife to training, watching over a small foster child while she studies. What a powerful example of teamwork and commitment. 2. Expanding Foster Care Many potential foster parents want to help, but they don’t know how to get certified or trained. 3. A Systemic Approach is Missing Foster care, based on feedback from the participants, often serves as a short-term solution. What’s missing is a focus on strengthening biological families while the child is in care. 4. Psychological Support is Essential Foster parents need more support. They’ve suggested having a national psychologist available for online consultations. This could make a huge difference in managing the emotional challenges of fostering. 5. Disparity in Social Worker Support Interestingly, foster parents from areas with highly qualified social workers are surprised by the complaints from others about poor support. This shows a gap in social work capacity that needs to be addressed to ensure consistent support across all regions. #FosterCare #FamilySupport #SocialWork #PsychologicalSupport #ChildWelfare

Transitioning from #fostercare into adulthood is pivotal in a young person's life. Unfortunately, the statistics are sobering: youth who age out of the foster care system are significantly more likely to face unemployment and struggle with stability. To counter these challenges, it’s essential to equip these young adults with practical life skills that will empower them to forge their own paths successfully. Here’s why and how we should focus on building these skills. #agedout #lifeskills https://lnkd.in/ewTTufsi

While many foster care agencies have adopted trauma-informed care policies, translating these policies into daily practice remains a challenge. To bridge this gap, organizations need to focus on ongoing support and reinforcement of TIC principles. This could include regular case consultations, peer support groups for staff and foster parents, and incorporating TIC discussions into team meetings. Organizations can also invest in trauma-informed consultants to work with their teams. By making trauma-informed care a consistent part of daily operations, agencies can ensure that these vital practices don't fall by the wayside amidst the demands of foster care work. What is your agency doing to create the ongoing conversation about trauma-informed practices? #TraumaInformedCare #FosterCare #Adoption #Solutions #BridgingtheGap

It's Foster Care Awareness Month! Here are 4 tips to empower former foster youth to achieve financial wellness! Which one will you use? #fostercare #fostercareawareness #financialwellness #financialsocialwork #fswcollaborative

Take a look at these tips to empower former foster youth to achieve financial wellness! #fostercare #fostercareawareness #financialwellness

Reading this was calming to my nervous system. While the memo is written from the perspective of a young child who is in foster care and is about to start school, there are many trauma-informed strategies named in the memo to support the little one that can be of value for us as adults in the workplace. Curious about what you might write in a memo to your boss about what conditions and ways of doing things would support your nervous system at work. #traumainformed #nervoussystemregulation #psychologicalsafety https://lnkd.in/g3QRewQe