In times past, people who didn’t fit within the traditional roles or confines of society could be denied the opportunity to foster or adopt children, simply because of ignorance and bigotry. Rules were very strict and could even go so far as to insist that children being placed in foster care or adopted must have […]
Recently Published Articles
Tennessee Foster Parents are a Bridge of Hope
Children are the future of every community, and that means every child. Unfortunately, some children find themselves in circumstances that are unsafe and unsustainable. Their biological parents may have hit hard times economically, developed a substance dependency problem, or might be abusive physically or psychologically. Whatever the reason, foster parents are like an oasis of […]
Creating a Legacy – How Tennessee Foster Parents Help Shape the Future
What is a legacy? As an adult, something you may have considered is what your legacy will be, especially after you are gone. A legacy is the impact you can have on all the lives you touch, that can help those in your circle of influence make positive choices to benefit themselves and their community. […]
Three Compelling Reasons to Become a Foster Parent, and One Reason Not To
First, Let’s Start with the Positives If you are called to become a foster parent, the rewards are many. To narrow it down a little, we’ve picked three main reasons why you might want to consider becoming a foster parent, and finish with one reason on why fostering might not be the right one for […]
How Fostering Siblings Can Multiply Your Joy as a Foster Parent
If you’ve heeded the call to help children in need and become a Tennessee foster parent, one of the most profound ways you can have the greatest positive impact is by fostering siblings. And it’s not just the positive impact you can make… it’s about multiplying the joys of fostering by keeping brothers and sisters […]
A Reason, A Season or Forever: Every Foster Family’s Story is Different
They say that every human being has a story. The same could be said for every foster child and foster family. Some children come into foster care after experiencing some kind of trauma or crisis, and some just need a helping hand through difficult circumstances. Some Kids Live with a Parent Struggling with Addiction Life […]
What makes a great foster parent
People are often hesitant about entering the world of foster care. Even if fostering is something they want to do, there are a variety of reasons they may feel unqualified to do so. So, what makes someone a great foster parent? Diversity is important It is important for any program to have a diverse group […]
Kinship Foster Care: What is it and How Can I Get Involved?
What is Kinship Foster Care? Kinship foster care is the placement of a foster child into a home where there is an adult relative or person with a significant relationship with the child. In Indiana, “kinship” is defined as being related by blood, such as a cousin, sibling, niece, nephew, grandchild, or other family member. […]
Transition Planning for Foster Youth with Disabilities: Are We Falling Short?
Nationally, approximately 20,000 youth “age out” of foster care each year, typically when they turn 18. These youth face extraordinary challenges to becoming successful adults, and the transition outcomes for many youth exiting care appear bleak. A national study of youth emancipated from foster care revealed that 2.5 to 4 years after they had left […]
Parenting the Adopted and Foster Care Adolescent
Most birth parents worry about their child when he or she reaches adolescence. Will the child who was once easygoing and helpful become moody and disrespectful? Will the child who was fiercely independent when young become a teen who gives in to peer pressure? Will the child who has had a conventional style of dress […]