In Shared Family Care (SFC), parent(s) and children are placed together in the home of a host family who is trained to mentor and support the parents as they develop the skills and supports necessary to care for their children independently. SFC can be used to prevent out-of-home placement, to provide a safe environment for the reunification of a family that has been separated, or to help parents consider other permanency options, including relinquishment of parental rights. Resources include State and local examples.
State and local examples
Foster Parents Speak: Crossing Bridges and Fostering Change: Discussion and Resource Guide (PDF - 78 KB)
New York State Citizens' Coalition for Children (2009)
Serves as a companion piece to a 23-minute video offering insight into the challenges foster parents face when developing and nurturing shared parenting relationships with birth families and professionals to benefit the children in their care. Visit the website for a video clip and list of printable resources.
Practice Guidelines for Family-Centered Meetings (PDF - 504 KB)
North Carolina Division of Social Services (2005)
Presents guidelines intended to supplement the overall policy for child and family team meetings and shared parenting meetings in North Carolina. The guidelines include the purpose and benefits of this approach, phases of implementation, and the roles of different participants.
Shared Family Care: Child Protection and Family Preservation in Action (PDF - 58 KB)
Barth & Price (2005)
In Safeguarding and Promoting the Well-being of Children, Families and Communities
Describes shared family care and shares findings from a study that investigated the outcomes of 87 families placed in mentor homes in California and Colorado.
Shared Family Care in Contra Costa County: An Opportunity for Change (PDF - 44 KB)
McGhee (2005)
Provides services to parents in California with substance abuse issues who need to increase their parenting skills and to learn skills that will help them maintain employment and housing.
Shared Parenting: Putting the Needs of Children First (PDF - 415 KB)
Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center (2009)
Explains to foster parents the concept of shared parenting and the benefits of maintaining a child's connection with his or her family.