Laura • Foster Parent Partner

In today's video, I showcase some things that may come up on the first day with an older child. Every youth is different and will need something different from us. Here are some extra tips to consider: - Some kids may be coming from group homes or residential treatment centers, or they may be coming back into care after being homeless or running away for a time period. They may have different needs depending on the situation. - There may be some policies to follow as it relates to the documentation you must provide the youth. This can include: their rights, reproductive health information, or mental health handouts. Make sure you ask your worker what documents should be shared or made accessible to the youth. - Some teens may feel more comfortable communicating through text or a journal, so you can offer those as well. - Don't forget to post crisis hotline numbers and the wifi password OK What did I miss? Do you care for older foster youth? Let me know how you support them at the very beginning in the comments! 💛 #fosterparent #fostercare #fosterparenting #fosterteen

When we have a new child in our home, navigating brushing and styling hair may be tricky, especially for kids who have not had a lot of experience caring for their hair, or perhaps have had past negative experiences related to hair care. In this video, I show a ton of different things to consider and try but of course every kid is different and it’s important to meet them where they’re at, move slowly and ask for help if needed. And just a reminder, foster parents typically cannot cut their hair without permission. #fosterparent #fosterparenting #haircare

Trying something new and uploading one of my longer compilation videos here to see if you like it.☺️ this is an overview of the things that might come up on the first day with a new child entering your care. I tried to include a variety of situations, but of course, every kid every home and every situation is different feel free to add to this in the comments of the video so we can all continue to learn and grow as caregivers. #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fosterchild #fostercare #toddler

Here just a few examples of explaining visits with parents to kids in your foster home. Of course every kid is different, and it will depend on their relationship with their parents and if the visits consistently happen. #f#fostercaref#fosterparentf#fosterparenting

Here is an overview of the type of items that get returned when a child reunifies and returns home 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fostercare #reunification

Here are some terms or ways that foster parents may talk and what it usually means. of course, every county and agency and group of foster parents has their own set of vocabulary and ways to talk about foster care. feel free to drop below in the comments different words or phrases that foster parents use and where you are! 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fostercare

You all seemed to like these full, complete, compilation videos so here is the Baby version. I walk through some things that may come up on the first day with a baby in your foster home. As always, please add nuance and your experiences in the comments!! 💛 #fosterparent #fostercare #fosterbaby #baby

Here’s a tour of my kitchen in my foster home. This video is geared to towards people who are considering fostering and maybe getting licensed right now. Every agency and department will require different things depending on where you live. Some of the things I showcase may be above and beyond the standards that your county requires, but I offered them in the video because some of you may be caring for kids that require a higher level of safety in the home. 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fosterchild #kitchen #safety #kitchendesign

Foster parents can play an important role in helping a youth transition into adulthood. We can be there to ask questions and guide them in setting up services at school. In today’s video, I’ve teamed up with @DrDanisha Keating who is a former foster youth and kinship provider. 💛🙏 We are sharing things to ask about when you are touring and speaking with admissions. What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments what you ask while on a tour or when speaking with admissions. 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fostercare #fosterteen #collegetour #collegebound

It can be frustrating to get the wrong info but it does happen. Removals are traumatic and workers can always get all of the info. Additionally, miscommunications happen, and sometimes context and nuance is missing when describing incidents or needs. I was surprised to hear how many of you have received the wrong info. This underscores the importance of foster parents being prepared and open minded and making sure we are mindful of how we discuss in front of the child. #fosterparent #fostercare #newfosterplacement #fosterparenting

Was this anyone else’s experience? When kids have needs and referrals are put in, it can take months and months and months to hear from anyone. One time I was told it was a nine month wait for one specific type of therapy 😭 #fosterparent #fostercare #fosterparenting #therapy

Having a relationship with your foster child’s parent or coparenting with them can be beneficial in many ways. Here are some ways to get started. #fosterparent #fostercare #coparenting

@Laura • Foster Parent Partner ⬅️watch here! Follow up to my video today about some of the mistakes I have made as a foster parent 💛🫣😌 #fosterparent #fostercare #fosterparenting

Here are some news stories that you might have missed this year so far related to child welfare. What did I miss? Let me know in the comments. #fosterparent #fostercare #childwelfare

Here’s some things that I use as a parent 🥰 NOT an ad and NOT gifted, just sharing in case it helps someone else 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting @Kizik | Hands-Free Shoes @Vibes Hi-Fi Earplugs @Snailax