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.
National organizations
Family Focused Treatment Association
Strengthens agencies that support families caring for vulnerable children in an effort to define and refine treatment foster care practices.
Knowledge Center: Local/National Groups and Support
Foster Care to Success
Provides a list of national, State, and local groups that provide resources and community for foster and kinship caregivers.
National Foster Care and 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.
National Foster Parent Association
Supports foster parents in achieving safety, permanence, and well-being for the children and youth in their care.
Support resources
6 Foster Care Skills You Need to Master Before Becoming a Foster Parent
Craft (2017)
The Spruce
Highlights basic foster care skills, including assessing your family’s fitness for fostering, maintaining open communication, managing challenging behaviors, and coping with a sense of loss after a child’s reunification with his or her birth family.
10 Things Every Foster Parent in Virginia Should Know
Newfound Families Virginia
Explains key pieces of information related to fostering children, including reimbursement rates and court processes.
Daily Strength Foster Care Support Group
Daily Strength
Connects with other foster parents online. Answer questions and learn from what other foster parents are doing.
How to Say Goodbye to Children in Your Home (PDF - 1,137 KB)
Iowa Foster Care and 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 life books, engaging the child in the packing process, craft activities, and more.
How to Support Reunification: Even if You Don’t Want to
Bailey (2017)
Adoption.com
Lists ways to cope with and manage responsibilities in throughout reunification process.
Support for Foster Parents
AdoptUSKids (2017)
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.