Foster Parenting Tips - Page 4 of 6 - Foster and Adoptive Family Services Blog

Dealing with Sibling Separation in Foster Care

November 20, 2015November 20, 2015Lloyd Nelson, FAFS Digital Media Manager 3

Since 2008 and the passage of the Fostering Connections to Success Act, a concerted effort has been made nationwide to place siblings in [...]

Creating a Time Capsule with your Foster Child

November 6, 2015November 6, 2015Thomas Castles, FAFS Communication and Development Associate Comment

There is no knowing how the future will turn out when you decide to become a foster parent. Maybe you’ll foster and fall [...]

How Do I Know When My Foster Care Placement Has Run Its Course?

October 16, 2015October 16, 2015Thomas Castles, FAFS Communication and Development Associate 15

Foster parents should be prepared for challenging behavior when they decide to open their home to vulnerable children. But once you’ve gone forward [...]

Foster Children and Pets: Providing Comfort and Maintaining Safety

September 25, 2015September 25, 2015Thomas Castles, FAFS Communication and Development Associate 5

For a foster child, pets can be a cornerstone of emotional health, sharers of unconditional friendship and a constant presence in a world [...]

A Guide to Working with Your DCP&P Caseworker

September 21, 2015April 4, 2017Salendria Mabrey, FAFS Communication & Development Associate 1

You’re at work when you receive an urgent phone call. Your foster child has had an altercation with one of his classmates and [...]

How Do I Discipline My Foster Teen?

August 14, 2015September 9, 2015Lloyd Nelson, FAFS Digital Media Manager Comment

The question of discipline is important for any parent, not just for a foster parent. There are a plethora of parenting styles and [...]

Fostering Babies: Invest in the Future

July 17, 2015September 9, 2015Thomas Castles, FAFS Communication and Development Associate Comment

Every baby born into the world represents another chance to improve upon the past and feel hopeful about the future. But it takes [...]

Foster Children and Bedwetting: A Practical Guide to Dry Nights

July 10, 2015September 9, 2015Salendria Mabrey, FAFS Communication & Development Associate Comment

You’re sleeping comfortably in bed after a long day. As you’re counting sheep, your sleep gets interrupted with the cries of your foster [...]

Bulimia vs. Binge Eating in Foster Children: Connected But Not Identical

June 16, 2015September 9, 2015Salendria Mabrey, FAFS Communication & Development Associate Comment

When welcoming your foster child into her new home, your focus is to make sure she has everything she needs. Imagine that upon [...]

The Benefits of Gardening with Your Foster Child

June 5, 2015September 9, 2015Thomas Castles, FAFS Communication and Development Associate Comment

Everyone has something to learn from gardening. Children can pick up all sorts of new skills – planning, nurturing and responsibility to name [...]

Frank Alvarez, Digital Media Coordinator - What To Expect In The Foster Home Inspection Process

Thank you for reaching out to Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS). It is wonderful that you are starting the process to become licensed and you are also considering your home for sibling placements. Ensuring that your home has room for two children can be challenging. Office of Licensing (OOL) will send a caseworker to your home towards the end of the process to make the final judgement regarding the den being used as a room. I have attached CP&P policy regarding bedroom requirements for children in care below to further assist. http://www.nj.gov/dcf/policy_manuals/NJAC-10-122C-4.2_issuance.shtml Also, as per CP&P Manual of Requirements for Resource Parents, it is noted that “an unfinished attic or unfinished basement shall not be used for sleeping purposes by any child in the resource family. Each bedroom occupied by a child in placement shall have natural light and ventilation provided by one or more windows opening directly to the exterior. Each child in placement shall sleep in a bedroom that is sufficient in size to provide for the safety, privacy, and comfort of the child.” I have also attached a link to this manual below. http://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/licensing/laws/RFmanual.pdf Most of CP&P policy is worded to include all children no matter their age, unless age appropriate is noted in conjunction to the policy. The policy noted that “Each child in placement shall sleep in a bedroom that is sufficient in size to provide for the safety, privacy, and comfort of the child” Even though the child is young, they may not be approved to have their room in the den as the policy is all inclusive of children regardless of age. I would recommend discussing this with your Resource Family Support Worker and the OOL Worker when they come to your home as they will be best able to guide you. Also, you can reach out to our Family Advocates at any time to gain further assistance and/or understanding of CP&P policy. Corissa Kazar Support Services Manager

Frank Alvarez, Digital Media Coordinator - Summer Camp Scholarships for Children in Foster Care

Hi Sonya! Unfortunately, Foster and Adoptive Family Services is a New Jersey nonprofit that serves the resource families of New Jersey. We don't have any information on the resources available to North Carolina foster families. We recommend that you check with your child's caseworker to see if they're aware of any potential programs or subsidies. Sincerely, Frank Alvarez Digital Content Creator

Frank Alvarez, Digital Media Coordinator - Kinship Foster Care Pros and Cons

Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS) provides services and assistance to New Jersey licensed resource, kinship and adoptive families therefore we are unfortunately limited on how we can assist since you are not a NJ resident. It can be very challenging when a relative is in care no matter which state you reside in. Each state has their own policies and practices that they follow which can also make things challenging as well. This information can usually be found with your state’s policy. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has their policy at the below link to further assist. http://dhs.iowa.gov/policy-manuals Sincerely, Frank Alvarez Digital Content Creator

Marisa santoy - Kinship Foster Care Pros and Cons

My nephew was taken away from mom my brother was incarcerated , a distant relative who works as a jailer contacted us in Texas , he ended Picking up my Nephew was placed in his care, as soon as we found out CW information we called and let her know we wanted my nephew and would take full responsibility , she stated we had to wait a couple of months , mother and father talked to their Atty about giving right to me so we can pick up my nephew . We explained to them nephew was placed with distant relative he didn’t even know. CW was already looking for foster to adopt. This is on the state of Iowa , I have been through three attorneys , CW, state has not given us chance to get nephew, distant relative does not allow grandparents any communication or visitations. I don’t understand. Mom lost custody she had nental issues , dad has been released and had done everything in his power to try to get son back but CW adimant to push for adoption. Any one in iowa who can help us

Jenna - What To Expect In The Foster Home Inspection Process

Hi I am starting the process and I was wondering if I could use my den as a bedroom for a crib and a dresser. It is 7.5' x 7.9', it has a normal size window, a door, and ventilation, but it does not have a closet. We are wanting 0-5 yrs of age and would put a crib in the master bedroom but wanted an option for another child. We have an extra bedroom that my children have a futon, tv and LEGO's in. I was told we could not put a bed in that room because it wouldn't be considered the kids room since it wouldn't be private enough? But if it's a baby or 0-5 does that still matter? Just trying to get a feel for what we can possible do to get licensed for 2 foster children, that way we can help with siblings. Thank you for any help!