Addressing the mental health needs of parents and caregivers can support stable, nurturing placements. It can also support family resilience and long-term child and family well-being. This section provides resources on how child welfare professionals can support the mental health needs of parents, foster parents, and kin caregivers so that they may be better equipped to support the needs of the children and youth in their care.
Addressing Grief and Loss in Family Support Efforts
AdoptUSKids (2021)
Shares tools and strategies to improve child welfare professionals' knowledge on grief and loss and how to best support resources families.
Feeling Overwhelmed With Parenting Demands?
HealthyChildren.org
Provides parents with ways to refocus and recenter when the demands of parenting become overwhelming.
Intensive Care Coordination Using High Fidelity Wraparound
Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse
Describes high-fidelity wraparound services for families and youth with complex behavioral, emotional, and/or mental health needs.
Let’s Talk About It: Supporting Grandfamilies’ Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Webinar
Generations United (2022)
Identifies the effect social isolation had on grandparents' mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental Health Resources for Caregivers
Mental Health America
Includes resources for caregivers to help maintain their physical and mental health.
Self-Care Skills and Strategies for Foster Parents
Annie E Case Foundation (2017)
Provides tools and exercises from the “Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care” curriculum for foster parents to deal with the strong feelings and emotions they may experience while caring for children who have experienced trauma.