|
Here at the Coalition, we often receive calls from people who express their hesitancy to get licensed for foster care because they are worried about the heartbreak that will come along when children are reunited with their birth family. Every foster parent knows they need to prepare for this time, but that doesn’t make the reality easier. However, a strong relationship between both families does not need to end once reunification occurs. A birth mother shared, "Who would have thought it was my daughter's foster mom who would be the one to help me turn my life around? Even on my worst days, she encouraged me and made me feel like she was on my side. It made all the difference in bringing Nadia home.” There is no reason why this encouragement and partnership can’t continue for a lifetime.
As a Foster Care Coordinator, you can help both families determine a post-reunification contact comfort level. Ask the members of each family what type of contact they will be comfortable with once the child returns home and offer assurance they can reach out to you if they need to. Here are some ideas of what an arrangement could include:
- Shared time – Both families can attend the same events or outings. This could include such things as going to the park, attending school concerts or sporting events, or spending time together on holidays.
- Become an advocate for the family – In a robust co-parenting relationship, the birth family may be more comfortable sharing concerns about their child with former foster parents rather than asking for that help from a case manager. The foster family can offer guidance and support without any perceived judgment.
- Offer to babysit or provide respite – As exciting as reunification is for the family, the adjustment period can still be stressful. Letting the family know you are open to providing babysitting or respite care can be reassuring for both the parent and the child.
Keep an eye out for the next offering of our Co-parenting Through Connection 5-week hybrid course this spring. As always, please contact us at the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families for additional resources to support your families.
| 
