Although being a foster parent is rewarding, it can also be difficult. It is important for foster parents to find support among others who understand the ups and downs of caring for children who are not your own. The following resources provide information that support foster parents during what can be a challenging process.
Developing a Parent-to-Parent Support Network (PDF - 302 KB)
North American Council on Adoptable Children (2009)
Offers information about how to help communities develop peer support networks for kinship, foster, and adoptive families and provides six peer support network models for reference.
Foster Family-based Treatment Association
Strengthens agencies that support families caring for vulnerable children in an effort to define and refine treatment foster care practices.
Grief and Loss Coping Strategies for Foster Parents (PDF - 303 KB)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2010)
Discusses strategies to help foster families cope when a foster child leaves their home.
Handling Allegations Against Your Resource Home (PDF - 374 KB)
Lake Cumberland Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Support Network & The Kentucky Department of Community Based Services Out-of-Home Care and Child Safety Branches (2008)
Discusses prevention strategies Kentucky foster and adoptive parents can institute in their homes to keep situations from turning into a potential allegation.
How to Say Goodbye to Children in Your Home (PDF - 1,137 KB)
Iowa Foster Care & Adoptive Parents Association (2015)
News and Views, Spring
Suggests several ways that a foster parent can prepare to have a child in their care get ready to leave their foster home. Suggestions include lifebooks, engaging the child in the packing process, craft activities, and more.
iFoster.org
Provides a free members-only community for transition-age youth, caregivers, and support organizations in foster care.
National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search: Foster Care and Adoption Support Groups
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Offers information and links to State foster care and adoption support groups. Download the NFCAD mobile app.
National Foster Parent Association
Supports foster parents in achieving safety, permanence, and well-being for the children and youth in their care.
Support for Foster Parents
AdoptUSKids
Describes the basic aspects of the fostering experience, including partnering with the child's caseworker, meeting the child's needs, preventing burnout, and learning resources.