If you have more than one foster child along with your biological children, meal planning can get challenging. Not all kids like the same meals, and if they’re involved in after-school activities, they might not eat at the same time. You don’t have to go overboard with the budget or spend hours cooking dinner. However, … Read moreBest Meal Planning Tips for Large Foster Families
Once Upon a Time… Two brothers named Joey and Brandon, although three years apart in age, were incredibly bonded. They experienced many trials and tribulations together and learned over the years to depend only on each other. Their favorite thing to do together was to go running. Indeed, they ran nearly every day. It didn’t … Read moreOnce Upon a Time…Joey and Brandon’s Story
What Are Private Fostering Agencies? A private fostering agency is a non-governmental organization that contracts with the state to provide foster care services. Like state foresting agencies, private agencies are responsible for placements, recruiting new foster parents, and supporting foster families. Further, many private fostering agencies, like TFI Family Connections, are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Why … Read moreHow Donating to Private Fostering Agencies Helps Children
Providing emergency foster care is a challenging but rewarding service. You need to be available at any hour to provide care for children until a long-term solution is found. If you’ve been wondering whether this kind of work is for you, here are a few things you’ll need to be able to do. Respond Without … Read more5 Tips for Emergency Foster Care Parents
Eight Ways to Cope with the Winter Blues Do the chilly, gloomy days of winter make you want to curl up under the covers and stay there until the sun shines again? You’re not alone. During our dark and rainy Pacific Northwest winters, we get less of the mood-boosting help of sunlight, which may set … Read moreBetween Families-March 2020
You never imagined it would happen to someone in your family or circle of friends. But it has. A child is placed in foster care. Perhaps the children’s parent is your teenage niece, who has had a baby she’s not ready to care for. Or your cousin who has been struggling with substance addiction. Maybe … Read moreCan I Be a Kinship Foster Parent?
Making children in foster care feel part of your family activities like vacations and outings is an important part of bonding together. In many cases, your foster children will be able travel with you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with children in foster care. Contact your caseworker: Your first … Read moreTraveling with Children in Foster Care
Movie nights are a great way to relax and spend time together at your foster care home. Skip the long lines and expensive tickets at your local theater. Staying home can be healthier and more fun. Here are some suggestions for organizing a movie night that you and your foster children will love. Picking Your … Read moreMovie Night Ideas for Your Foster Care Home
Technology contracts can help keep kids safe and prevent family conflicts. Careful planning and communication may be even more important for children in foster care who sometimes need to get used to new habits. Here are some suggestions for writing a contract that encourages family harmony. Be sure to put your contract in writing and … Read moreTechnology Contracts for Children in Foster Care
Most children love reading. Besides encouraging their interest in books, and creating a cozy activity for a child and caregiver to share, it can be therapeutic. Being in foster care is confusing and upsetting for children, especially when they are first separated from their parents. A well-written children’s book can help a child to understand … Read moreBest Books for Children in Foster Care