Here’s a tour of my kitchen in my foster home. This video is geared to towards people who are considering fostering and maybe getting licensed right now. Every agency and department will require different things depending on where you live. Some of the things I showcase may be above and beyond the standards that your county requires, but I offered them in the video because some of you may be caring for kids that require a higher level of safety in the home. 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fosterchild #kitchen #safety #kitchendesign

Foster parents can play an important role in helping a youth transition into adulthood. We can be there to ask questions and guide them in setting up services at school. In today’s video, I’ve teamed up with @DrDanisha Keating who is a former foster youth and kinship provider. 💛🙏 We are sharing things to ask about when you are touring and speaking with admissions. What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments what you ask while on a tour or when speaking with admissions. 💛 #fosterparent #fosterparenting #fostercare #fosterteen #collegetour #collegebound

Here are some news stories that you might have missed this year so far related to child welfare. What did I miss? Let me know in the comments. #fosterparent #fostercare #childwelfare

You all seemed to like these full, complete, compilation videos so here is the Baby version. I walk through some things that may come up on the first day with a baby in your foster home. As always, please add nuance and your experiences in the comments!! 💛 #fosterparent #fostercare #fosterbaby #baby

In today's video, I showcase some things that may come up on the first day with an older child. Every youth is different and will need something different from us. Here are some extra tips to consider: - Some kids may be coming from group homes or residential treatment centers, or they may be coming back into care after being homeless or running away for a time period. They may have different needs depending on the situation. - There may be some policies to follow as it relates to the documentation you must provide the youth. This can include: their rights, reproductive health information, or mental health handouts. Make sure you ask your worker what documents should be shared or made accessible to the youth. - Some teens may feel more comfortable communicating through text or a journal, so you can offer those as well. - Don't forget to post crisis hotline numbers and the wifi password OK What did I miss? Do you care for older foster youth? Let me know how you support them at the very beginning in the comments! 💛 #fosterparent #fostercare #fosterparenting #fosterteen