By Dr. Alexándrea Evans Oneal The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies youth in foster care as “children with special health care needs” due to the high prevalence of mental health, chronic illness and developmental concerns compared to children in the general population. When caring for adults who grew up in foster care or were adopted, medical providers must consider the impact of adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, household challenges, separation from family, mental illness, physical neglect, domestic violence as well as housing insecurity, before making medical or e ..read more

In “How To Do Parenting with Confidence,” family interventionist Vanessa Kahlon offers a number of tips and strategies for dealing with various adolescent behavior patterns. She shares examples which reflect the daily choices children and their caregivers make — and offers solutions to ensure positive outcomes. Kahlon explains how to catch the triggers to prevent negative situations, how to model humility and apology and, how to adapt adult phraseology so words resonate fruitfully with children. It’s a handy book, full of techniques to use in particular scenarios. Written in a simple, easy-to ..read more

In her first book, “A Shrub Not a Tree, The FAMILY We’ve Grown to Be,” author Ashley Rae Klinger celebrates the various ways families grow. The book is divided into sections — the first is written with younger readers in mind, while the second section is formatted for adult readers. The delineation is clear both in the language and artwork, making for an interesting read. Introducing the concept of a “family shrub” in place of the more commonly used term “family tree,” Klinger traces her family’s journey as they negotiate the twists and turns of fate. She writes of her dreams of having babies ..read more

By Rachel Bithell The adage “It takes a village to raise a child” is especially relevant to children in kinship or foster care. As a resource parent, your village will expand to include the professionals who support your child. This could be caseworkers, guardians ad litem, parenting time supervisors, CASAs, courts, as well as mental health, medical and educational professionals. Also remember your child’s biological family is part of the team as well. In addition to caring for a child impacted by trauma, managing the emails, calls, paperwork and appointments may feel overwhelming. A few strat ..read more

All responses taken from our Facebook groups: Foster Parenting Toolbox and Kinship Parenting Group. Entering a new home can be overwhelming and scary for a child of any age. We asked current foster, adoptive and kinship parents how they welcome new children into their homes. Here’s what they shared: “​​Smile at them and greet them first when they get out of the car – calmly. Introduce myself by my first name. Then say hi to the transport worker. Invite everyone inside, and if the child isn’t ready, invite them to explore the yard while the worker and I chat.” “Food. We take babies and toddlers ..read more

Created specifically for adult adoptees, “Voices Unheard” is a journal designed to guide individuals similarly to working with a therapist. Writing in the journal provides individuals to explore their feelings and work toward deeper healing. With 52 weeks of writing prompts, “Voices Unheard” is driven by themes and includes additional resources, including a glossary, and guidelines. The journal also includes a script support groups moderators can use to guide conversations.  Written by an adoptee and licensed mental health care provider, “Voices Unheard“ is designed with th ..read more

Excerpt of an interview with reporter Nancy Marie Spears for The Imprint In her new memoir, author Sandy White Hawk writes of her abusive adoptive home and how she went on to empower other adoptees across the country. The book takes its title from documents finalizing White Hawk’s adoption, where she is identified as “a child of the indian race (sic).” White Hawk, whose Lakota name is “Cokta Najiŋ Wiŋyaŋ, Stands in the Center Woman,” began taking notes for her memoir 20 years ago. Her life story begins with her removal from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1955 ..read more

In “Fostering Love” long-time licensed foster parent Kathleen Paydo, shares her experiences caring for children in the foster care system. The book provides parenting advice and a glimpse into the world of foster parenting from someone who has cared for more than 135 children. In addition to fostering, Paydo and her husband of 35 years have parented four biological children. For those looking for a first-hand experience from foster parenting, “Fostering Love” might be the perfect read ..read more

Welcome to Calvin’s world, a young boy living in foster care who wants so badly to trust someone, but is afraid to open his heart. Written by psychotherapist Lauren Kerstein, “Home for a While” explores Calvin’s experience. He’s lived with many families but, when he moves in with Maggie, he finds a place that finally feels like home. — Illustrated by Natalia Moore ..read more

by Kai Joseph Foster care is grueling, emotional and overall just a huge bumpy roller coaster, yet it’s such a beautiful thing no matter the outcome. Foster care has made me into a better sister and friend while preparing me for adulthood. I became a foster sister around the age of 9. It started when my mom asked how I’d feel sharing my home with another kid. My mother always said I was the second mom of the house and I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly kind person. Knowing I would help a family in need was all the convincing it took. My family grew quickly within a couple of years. We w ..read more