Becoming a foster parent can be an incredibly rewarding experience but can also be very challenging, especially for first-time parents. There are many potential emotional issues that may surprise foster parents, who may feel overwhelmed and have a sense of insufficient support from the community. But people who choose to become foster parents are performing wonderful deeds, and the library offers many means of support for them. Below are some of the resources we have available.
Use our online Universal Class, opens a new window for "Positive Parenting Techniques" that will help you learn how to facilitate easier day-to-day interactions with young children, understand how children process and manage their emotions, and develop their sense of self through their interaction with the world around them.
We also have many books available at the library on foster care and how to be a successful foster parent. The Connected Child, opens a new window offers advice on how to incorporate foster children into an already existing family unit and build trust with them. The Foster Parenting Toolbox, opens a new window has advice from caseworkers, curriculum creators, and experienced foster parents on how to deal with the potentially difficult situations that may arise in the course of being a foster parent.
To the End of June, opens a new window is a look at the weaknesses and failures of the U.S. foster care system. It tells how foster parents can find success in spite of these deficiencies and details the push for changes within the system. The Foster Parenting Manual, opens a new window provides an explanation of how the foster care system currently functions, the history of foster care in the U.S., and how foster parents can better work with the caseworkers and birth parents. A Guidebook for Raising Foster Children, opens a new window offers practical suggestions compiled from many foster parents, including how to prioritize issues and when to seek professional help. Caring for Kids from Hard Places, opens a new window describes the special needs of children that experienced early trauma, and how staff and volunteers can create a responsive environment.
Many local organizations exist to help foster parents on their journeys. Play Therapy Essentials offers multiple types of therapy to families, has a registered play therapist on staff, and offers EMDR therapy, opens a new window for issues relating to trauma and panic. Embrace Treatment Foster Care, opens a new window and Intercept Health, opens a new window both provide specialized foster home treatments for children who have been removed from their homes for unforeseen circumstances. Barker Adoption Foundation, opens a new window is a comprehensive adoption center that offers domestic older child adoption from foster care, domestic infant adoption, international adoption, and life-long post adoption services. Spotsylvania County's Department of Social Services , opens a new windowhas a program, opens a new window that recruits, trains, and supports foster/adoptive families.
We have many books and resources available at the library for foster parents at any stage of their journey. You can also use the links available from the National Foster Parent Association, opens a new window if you need additional materials. The federal National Foster Care Month, opens a new window and Virginia Department of Social Services, opens a new window pages also contain a wealth of information and resources. Remember that as a foster parent you are not alone, and Central Rappahannock Regional Library will strive to find all the resources it can to support you.
Foster care is most frequently administered through local social services offices. Click the name of each jurisdiction for its contact point: Fredericksburg, opens a new window, Spotsylvania, opens a new window, Stafford, opens a new window, and Westmoreland County, opens a new window.
Here is a list of books that people considering becoming foster parents may find helpful:
Describes the special needs of children that experienced early trauma, and how staff and volunteers can create a responsive environment.
Offers advice on how to incorporate foster children into an already existing family unit and build trust with them.
