As a Foster Parent you are constantly monitored and it seems that it really does "take a village" to raise a child. Foster parents (FP's) are just one player on a large team of people that are working together for the benefit of the child. Aside from the Foster Parents, you have the Case Worker, Teachers, Counselors, and of course, the biological family. Not all kids are granted visitation with their family, but most are. Especially as returning to their family is the ultimate goal. The FP's are also subject to a variety of rules and regulations presented by their particular state. It takes a lot of effort to make this machine work. Unfortunately, there are an abundance of stories out there proving that Foster Care is anything but a well-oiled machine.
Knowing that to be the case, I want to go in as prepared as possible. Reading this book was just one step towards that goal. As I said, it gave a good overview. Things to think about when interacting with your Foster Child, the Team, and your own friends and family. It gave basic tools for parenting as well as universal fostering guidelines that should apply regardless of your state.
It was a beneficial read and something I will probably read again when I get closer to actually bringing a child into the home. For now, I'm on the search for more books that would be beneficial. I know a lot of you are parents, so,
What parenting books have you read and would recommend?
They don't have to be specifically related to fostering, but it would be helpful if they covered subjects related to troubled, difficult, & emotionally hurt children.
Thanks for all of your recommendations in advance! I look forward to seeing what tools are out there to help me prepare.
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