With more than 62 thousand foster children in the California system, it is important for families to have the support and guidance needed to provide quality care. Luckily, children and parents in the foster care system are provided with many services to ensure the stable success of families. The services offered go far beyond those…
In 2008, nearly 136 thousand children were adopted. Of these about 37 percent were foster children adopted by the family of their placement. Children born and raised within their biological family are usually provided the opportunity to feel connected to their parents, siblings and grandparents long before they enter this world. Unfortunately, the same is…
Trying to protect a child in your home, whether they be biological, adopted or fostered, can be a daunting task as entertainment devices, social media, and the internet permeate our society. The risk for access by predators or the viewing of inappropriate content is not affected by who cares for a child. While biological parents…
Raising children is no easy task, but when caring for someone else’s children, it can be even more difficult. Right now, there are nearly 60,000 foster children in California and more than 600 of them are currently living with families in Shasta County. Many of these children have psychological or behavioral issues stemming from emotional…
Foster parenting is quite a bit different than parenting biological children. For those who are new to foster care, there may be a few surprising realities. Here are some of the most common myths that foster parents encounter when they venture into this whole new world. Myth: My foster child will be grateful I rescued…
Too many times, we hear about negative things that happen in foster care, but there are many true stories of foster children who have been helped. Here are several stories of both parents and children that are sure to inspire you. Eric & Jaci Hasemeyer The Hasemeyer family led a fairly normal life until one…
Foster children frequently come from traumatic situations, where they’ve faced abuse, neglect, rejection, or exposure to unsafe situations. As a result, there can be significant behavioral issues when an adolescent or teen comes into your home. Corporal punishment (i.e. spanking or any form of physical punishment), food denial, and removal of visitation privileges are all…
So you want to become a foster parent? Whether you are planning to become one in five years or you’re ready to start as soon as possible, there are a few requirements your home will need to meet. Each state has its own set of requirements, but here are some of the main ones that…
When a foster child comes to your home, it’s often a frightening and overwhelming experience for the child. He or she is being dropped off at the house of strangers and is now at your mercy. She doesn’t know if you’re safe and he doesn’t know if you’re going to be a harsh and exacting…
Some foster children have experienced the trauma of not having enough to eat. Others turn to food to feel a sense of control in the middle of out-of-control circumstances or emotions. For these reasons, they may exhibit a variety of unhealthy food obsessions—even at extremely young ages. It’s important that foster and adoptive parents know…
