phase ii: caregiver supports, training, recruitment and ... · jessica parks necco julie schoenlein...

PHASEII:CAREGIVERSUPPORTS,TRAINING,RECRUITMENTANDRETENTIONWORKGROUP 1

Phase I I : Caregiver Supports, Training, Recruitment and Retention Workgroup Summary Report

Presented to The Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Office of Children Services Transformation

PREPARED BY

Mighty Crow Media, LLC Erica Magier, MSW, LSW and

Gretchen Clark Hammond, PhD, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII, TTS

ThisreportwasmadepossibleincollaborationwithCaseyFamilyPrograms,whosemissionistoprovide,improve–andultimatelypreventtheneedfor—fostercare.Thefindingsandconclusionspresentedinthisreportarethoseoftheauthor(s)alone,anddonotnecessarilyreflecttheopinionsofCaseyFamilyPrograms.

2 PHASEII:CAREGIVERSUPPORTS,TRAINING,RECRUITMENTANDRETENTIONWORKGROUP

Table of Contents

I . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

I I . Background for this Workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

I I I . Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SupportsExamples.................................................................................................................................12TrumbullCountyChildrenServices(NortheastOhio)and......................................................................12IntegratedServicesforBehavioralHealth(CentralandSoutheastOhio)..............................................12SupportsfortheBiologicalFamily:ParentMentorPerspective.............................................................14

IV. Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

V. Recruitment and Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

VI. Meeting Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

VII. Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Supports.....................................................................................................................................................22Training......................................................................................................................................................22Recruitment...............................................................................................................................................23Retention....................................................................................................................................................23Terminology...............................................................................................................................................24

Additional Considerations Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

CaregiverSupports,Training,RecruitmentandRetentionWorkgroupLeadershipTeam:

ScottBritton,PCSAO,AssistantDirector

KarenMcGormley,ProjectManager,OfficeofChildrenServicesTransformationGretchenClarkHammond,MightyCrow,ProjectManagementforPCSAO

EricaMagier,MightyCrow,ProjectManagementforPCSAO


I . Introduction

ThenumberofchildreninfostercareinthestateofOhiohasbeenonasteadyincreaseforoveradecade,with16,045childrenincareonasingledayduring2019(state-reportedfigure)and7,788totallicensedfosterhomesinthestate(https://www.fostercarecapacity.com/states/ohio).Annually,approximately27,000childrenareincarewithinthestateatsomepoint.Further,amongthosechildren/youthincare,approximately14%werelivingincongregatecare.Congregatecareisnotapropersettingifthechild’sneedscanbeaddressedinafamilysetting,thusindicatingtheneedforalternativeformsofcareinOhio.Theterms“fosterparent”and“fostercaregiver”areusedinterchangeablythroughoutthisreporttorefertotheindividualsrecruited,trained,andresponsibleforcaringforchildreninout-of-home,non-congregatecareplacementswithinthechildwelfaresystem(seepage11forfurtherdiscussionaboutterminology).

PhaseIoftheTieredTreatmentFosterCareProjectwasconvenedtoaddressStrategy2oftheChildren’sContinuumofCareReformPlan(CCCR),whichputforththreecoretasks:(A)Developstatewidefosterparentrecruitmentandretentionassistance;(B)ModernizeOhio’sfostercaresystem;and(C)EstablishanewexitfromfostercaretopermanencywiththeKinshipGuardianshipAssistanceProgram(KGAP).PhaseIprovidedtheopportunityforday-longdiscussionswithover40keystakeholderswhoconvenedtodiscussandbrainstormOhio’sTieredTreatmentFosterCaremodel.TheTieredTreatmentFosterCareWorkgroupReportandRecommendationswasreleasedinFebruary2020,withthreerecommendationstofurthertheworkofthisproject:

(1) Expandthelevelsoffostercarebeyondtraditionalandtreatmentbycreatingthreetiersoftreatmentfostercare.

(2) Adjustfostercareperdiemsbasedonthelevelofcareprovidedbyestablishingastandardperdiemrangefortraditionalfostercarethatisconsistentacrossthestate.Establishastandardsetofperdiemrangesforthreetiersoftreatmentfostercarethatisconsistentacrossthestate.

(3) Professionalizetheroleoffostercaregiversbydeterminingskillsrequired,supportprovided,andexpectationsforenteringfostercareasone’sprimaryareaoffocus.

Basedontheserecommendations,workgroupsforPhaseIIweredeveloped;thefirsttolaunchwasWorkgroupIonCaregiverSupports,Training,Recruitment,andRetention.WorkgroupIIwillexamineprofessionalization,andWorkgroupIIIwillfocusonpaymentinthetieredtreatmentfostercaremodelinOhio.Pleasenotethatthereiterationofimportanceandcost-savingsofatieredtreatmentfostercaremodelversusplacementincongregatecaremaybeneededforcustodialagencies,suchasviapresentationsofdifferentmodelsand/orsimulations.Thisreportfocusesoncaregiversupports,training,recruitment,andretention.

https://www.pcsao.org/pdf/advocacy/PCSAOChildrenContinuumOfCareReformMay2019Update.pdf

https://www.pcsao.org/pdf/misc/TTFCReportFinal.pdf


I I . Background for this Workgroup

Thetopicsofsupports,training,recruitment,andretentionareofgreatimportanceinthefield

ofchildwelfare,astheneedforfosterhomescontinuestobeapressingone.Inthedocument,AMovementtoTransformFosterParenting(2016),TheAnnieE.CaseyFoundationsuggeststhat,“whenappropriatelytrainedandproperlysupported,fosterparents—bothkinandnon-relativecaregivers—arecriticalpartnersinachild-centeredfostercaresystem”(p.1).Thereportsuggeststhreemajortechniquesforengagingandempoweringfostercaregivers:(1)ensuringqualitycaregivingforchildren;(2)forgingstrongrelationshipsbetweenpublicchildwelfareagencies,privateproviders,andfostercaregiverssothateveryoneisarespectedmemberoftheteam;and(3)findingandkeepingamazingcaregiverstocontinueworkingwithourchildren.ThesesentimentswereechoedinTheOfficeofChildrenServicesTransformationInitialFindingsReport(February,2020),whichhighlightedtheneedsoffostercaregiversincluding(1)formalizingfostercaregiverrights;(2)theneedforservicesandsupport;(3)streamliningoftrainingandlicensureprocesses;(4)morediligentrecruitmentandretentionoffostercaregivers;and(5)increasedrecognitionandappreciationoffostercaregivers.

ThePhaseIIWorkgrouponSupports,Training,Recruitment,andRetentionconveneditsfirstin-

personmeetingonMarch9,2020,priortotheonsetoftheStayAtHomeordersforOhio.ThismeetingoccurredattheOhioDepartmentofJobandFamilyServicesandwasprecededbyasurveyaskingparticipantsforinputonthefourtopics(supports,training,recruitment,andretention).Thesurveyresultswerecompiledandsharedwiththegroupatthisfirstmeeting.Afterthefirstin-personmeeting,thegroupshiftedtovirtualmeetings,whichwereheldonApril3,April22,May22,andJune22,2020.InbetweenthemeetingonApril22ndandthemeetingonMay22nd,theworkgroupparticipantscompletedasecondsurveyrelatedtohowfostercaregiversaretreatedbythesystem.Thethemesfromthissurveyareincludedinthisreport.Alistofstakeholderworkgroupmembersisprovidedbelow.

ConsideringpreviousrecommendationsofthelargergroupduringPhase1ofthisprojectandexistingknowledgeandresearch,theworkgroupwastaskedtoachievethefollowinggoals:

(1) Recommendarangeofsupportsfortreatmentfostercareparentsandestablishafoundational/baselinesetofsupportsthatcanbeadoptedacrossthestateofOhio

(2) Reviewtrainingrequirementsfortreatmentfostercareparentsandconsidermeaningfultrainingtopicsandtrainingformatsthatbetterequipcaregiverswiththeskillsneeded

(3) Recommendrecruitmentstrategiesthatspeaktothelevelsofneedofchildreninthetiersoftreatmentfostercare

(4) Recommendstrategiesforretentionfortreatmentfostercareparents

ThemembersofthisworkgrouparelistedinTable1onthefollowingpage.

https://www.aecf.org/resources/a-movement-to-transform-foster-parenting/

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHOOD/2020/02/05/file_attachments/1373438/Transformation%20Report%20020520.pdf


Table1.WorkgroupMembers

Name Organization Title

BryanForney FocusonYouth,Inc. CEO

CelesteNichols LickingCountyJFS PlacementUnitSupervisor

ColleenTucker ODJFS-OFC BureauChief

CrystalAllen CaseyFamilyPrograms SeniorConsultant

DanielleSwendal KnoxCountyJFS Social Services Administrator

DaveBeck ODJFS-OFC HumanServicesDeveloper

DeannaPrezioso TrumbullCountyChildrenServices FosterCare/KinshipCareSupervisor

JessicaParks NECCO

JulieSchoenlein LorainCountyChildrenServices Recruiter

KateRossman OhioChildren'sAlliance

KelleyGruber InstituteforHumanServices TrainingManager

LindaMcKnight FranklinCountyChildrenServices AssociateDirector

LisaAllomong PressleyRidge

MarkMecum OhioChildren'sAlliance CEO

MattMitchell PressleyRidge ExecutiveDirectorofOhio

MeganGarbe OhioFamilyCareAssociation FosterCaregiver

SamanthaShafer IntegratedServicesforBehavioralHealth ChiefTransformationOfficer

TaraShook ODJFS-OFC SectionChief,SubstituteCareandPermanency

TeriDeVoe FairfieldCountyJFS FosterCaregiver

I I I . Supports

Supportsaretypicallyunderstoodasresourcesorservicesthatareavailabletofostercaregiverstoaidthemintheday-to-daycareofachild.Supportsplayacrucialroleintheretentionoffosterparents.Supportsprovidedbyagencystaffareasignificantpredictorinintentoffostercaregiverstoreferotherfamiliesandintheiroverallsatisfaction1,andtheabsenceofsupportsisoneofthereasonsthatfamiliesdiscontinuefostering2.Healthinsurance,involvementinserviceplanning,respite,andsocialsupportarerecognizedasimpactingfostercaregivers’satisfaction3.Supportslikeinvolvementinserviceplanning,socialsupport,andstipendsimpactretention,whilewraparoundimpactsstress.3TheStateofGeorgiaDivisionofFamilyandChildrenServices(2017)statesthatwraparoundservices“aredesignedtoprovideimmediate,criticalsupporttoplacementfamiliesandthechildrenentrustedtotheircare,withtheintentofpromotingsafeandstablefamilies”(p.54)andincludesupportssuchascrisisintervention,in-homecasemanagementandin-hometherapeuticservices. MightyCrowdevelopedalistofsupports,usingtheavailableliteratureonthistopicandinformationlistedintheOhioAdministrativeCode.Membersoftheworkgroupreviewedanddiscussedthislist,includingprovidingfeedbackviaasurveyontheavailabilityofthesupportsandthelevelofvalueforthesupportsfromtheperspectiveofthecaregiver.Additionally,thegroupprovidedcontextforthesupportsintheformofa“wishlist”toindicatewhatthesupportshould“lookandfeellike”tothecaregiver.AsummaryofsupportsalongwithdefinitionsisprovidedinTable2.Supportsthatarehighlightedinyellowinthetableindicatethosesupportsthatweremostvaluedbytheworkgroup.

1Mihalo,J.R.,Strickler,A.,Triplett,D.R.,&Trunzo,A.C.(2016).Treatmentfosterparentsatisfaction:Surveyvalidationandpredictorsofsatisfaction,retention,andintenttorefer.ChildrenandYouthServicesReview,62,pp.105-110).2Ahn,H.,Greeno,E.J.,Bright,C.L.,Hartzel,S.&Reiman,S.(2017).Asurvivalanalysisofthelengthoffosterparentingdurationandimplicationsforrecruitmentandretentionoffosterparents.ChildrenandYouthServicesReview,79,pp.478-484.3Piescher,K.N.,Schmidt,M.,&LaLiberte,T.(2008).Evidence-basedpracticeinfosterparenttrainingandsupport:Implicationsfortreatmentfostercareproviders.CenterforAdvancedStudiesinChildWelfare.Retrievedfrom:https://www.academia.edu/20527852/Evidence-Based_Practice_in_Foster_Parent_Training_and_Support_Implications_for_Treatment_Foster_Care_Providers

https://dfcs.georgia.gov/support-services-program

Table2:SupportsDefinitionsSupportOptionsfromtheSurvey

WishList/ContextfortheSupport

DefinitionsfromtheOhioAdministrativeCode:http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5101:2-1ChildrenServicesDefinitionofTermsOtherformaldefinitions

24/7Crisis/EmergencyServicesSurveyResults:93.8%AvailablethroughoutOhio93.3%ValuedbyCaregivers

Crisis/emergencymanagementthatisnotadirectivetocallthepolice;morelikea“supernanny”response

OAC(83)"Crisisservices"areservicesprovidedtofamiliesincrisissituationsforthepurposeofprovidinganimmediateortemporarysolutiontothepresentingproblem.OAC(104)"Emergency"meansasituationwherethereisreasontobelievethatachildisthreatenedorallegedtobeabused,neglected,ordependenttoanextentthatthechildisinimmediatedangerofseriousharm.OAC(105)"Emergencycaretakerservices"arethoseservicesprovidedbyapersonplacedwithinachild'sownhometoactasatemporarycaretakerwhenthechild'sowncaretakerisunableorunwillingtofulfilltheresponsibility.

Respite:PaidSurveyResults:68.8%AvailablethroughoutOhio66.7%ValuedbyCaregivers

Day-to-daysupportsfordailytaskslikecooking,driving,tutoring,cleaning,etc.TransportationSupport,especiallyforvisitation

OAC(269)"Respitecare,"asusedinChapters5101:2-5and5101:2-7oftheAdministrativeCode,isanyalternativecareprovidedforachildplacedinaspecializedfosterhomethatlastsmorethantwenty-fourconsecutivehourswhentheplanistoreturnthechildtothesamespecializedfosterhomeattheendoftheperiodofrespitecare.OAC(270)"Respitecareservices"areservicesdesignedtoprovidetemporaryreliefofchild-caringfunctionsincluding,butnotlimitedto,crisisnurseries,daytreatment,andvolunteersorpaidindividualswhoprovidesuchserviceswithinthehome.Thisservicemaybeprovidedtoachildplacedinafosterhomeorwitharelativeaswellasforachildinhisownhome.OAC(271)"Respitehome"isahomemanagedbyarespitefamilyreceivingfundsfromandapprovedtoproviderespitecareservicesbythedepartmentofdevelopmentaldisabilities.

Respite:UnpaidSurveyResults:68.8%AvailablethroughoutOhio6.7%ValuedbyCaregivers

Noadditionalcontext. OAC(332)"Volunteerservices"arethoseservices(e.g.,transportation)performedbyapersonofhisownfreewillandwithoutmonetarygainorcompensation.

PeertoPeerSupportSurveyResults:56.2%AvailablethroughoutOhio40%ValuedbyCaregivers

SupportinthemomentfromotherfostercaregiversPhoneafriendVolunteerCircleFormalMentoring

NoformaldefinitionislistedintheOAC.AdoptUSKids(2019)statesthatpeersupportis“whereparentsandchildrenandteensspendtimewithothersinsimilarsituationsorwithsimilarexperiences.Peersupportenablesthosewithmoreexperiencetosharewisdomandencouragementandprovidesasafe,non-judgmentalplaceforchildrenandparentstoaskquestionsandshareinsightintotheirexperiences(p.1).Theygoontodefinethefollowingterms:(a)Mentoringandcoaching:“connectingfamilieswithexperiencedparentsandcaregiverswhocanprovidetipsandinsightsandhelpthemdeveloptheirskills(e.g.parentingtechniques,waystounderstandchildren’sbehaviors)”(p.1).(b)DirectSupport:“withexperiencedpeerparentsservingasaresourcetofamiliesbyprovidingsuggestions,information,emotionalsupport,respitecare,andotherformsofsupport”(p.1).

Table2:SupportsDefinitions,continued


AlternativeCareArrangements

Alternativecare OAC(5101:2-7-08)“(B)Alternativearrangementsforthecareofafosterchildbysomeoneotherthanthefostercaregivershallbeapprovedbytherecommendingagency.”(C)Alternativearrangementsforthecareofafosterchilddoesnotincludearrangementsthatarebeingmadeinaccordancewiththereasonableandprudentparentstandard.(D)Afostercaregivershallhavepriorwrittenapprovalbytherecommendingagencyofaplanforthecareofafosterchildinemergencysituations.(E)Afostercaregivershallhavepriorwrittenapprovalbytherecommendingagencyofastatementforeachfosterchildspecifyingwhetherornotthefosterchildmaybeleftunattendedand,ifso,forwhatperiodoftime.(F)IfafostercaregiverarrangesforafosterchildtobecaredforinachildcarecenterorbyatypeAortypeBchildcareprovider,thefostercaregivershall:

(1) Ensurethechildcarecentertype,typeAortypeBchildcareproviderislicensedinaccordancewithChapter5101:2-12,5101:2-13,or5101:2-14oftheAdministrativeCode.

(2) Providedocumentationtotherecommendingagencythatthechildcarecenter,typeAortypeBchildcareprovideriscurrentlylicensed.

SupportGroupsSurveyResults:62.5%AvailablethroughoutOhio20%ValuedbyCaregivers

Nofurthercontextforthissupport.

NoformaldefinitionislistedintheOAC.“Supportgroupsbringtogetherpeoplewhoaregoingthroughorhavegonethroughsimilarexperiences…Asupportgroupprovidesanopportunityforpeopletosharepersonalexperiencesandfeelings,copingstrategies,orfirsthandinformation”.Supportgroupsmayincludeface-to-faceorvirtualmeetings,maybeledbyafacilitator,andmayoffereducationalopportunities(e.g.,guestspeakers).(MayoClinic,2018,para.1-2)

Inhomemeetings/visitsSurveyResults:93.8%AvailablethroughoutOhio46.7%ValuedbyCaregivers

Professionalsupportonsiteduringacrisis

OAC(119)"Familysupportservices"forthepurposesofutilizingTitleIV-B,"subpart2"meanscommunity-basedservicestopromotethesafetyandwell-beingofchildrenandfamilies,whicharedesignedtoincreasethestrengthandstabilityoffamilies(includingadoptive,foster,andkin),tosupportandretainfosterfamiliessotheycanprovidequalityfamilybasedsettingsforchildreninfostercare,toincreaseparents'confidenceandcompetenceintheirparentingabilities,toaffordchildrenasafe,stableandsupportivefamilyenvironment,tostrengthenparentalrelationshipsandpromotehealthymarriages,andotherwisetoenhancechilddevelopment,includingthroughmentoring.

CaseManagementServiceCoordinationSurveyResults:87.5%AvailablethroughoutOhio0%ValuedbyCaregivers


OAC(41)"Casemanagementservices"areactivitiesperformedbythePCSA,PCPA,PNA,orTitleIV-Eagencyforthepurposeofproviding,recordingandsupervisingservicestoachildandhisparent,guardian,custodian,caretakerorsubstitutecaregiver.

Birthparentandfostercaregiverrelationship*

Supportingrelationshipsbetweenfostercaregiverandbirthparents

OAC(35)"Caregiver"isapersonprovidingthedirectday-to-daycareofachildduringhisplacementinsubstitutecare.OAC(36)"Caretaker"isapersonwithwhomthechildresidesorthepersonresponsibleforthechild'sdailycare.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theparent,guardian,custodianorout-of-homecaresettingemployee.

Table2:SupportsDefinitions,continuedAssessment/Matching* (1) Basicandongoing

trainingwithassessment

(2) Caregiverskillassessment

(3) Bettermatchingoftheneedsofthechildwiththelevelofcare/skillsprovidedbytheparent

NoformaldefinitionislistedintheOAC.ODJFS(2018)statesthefollowing:Pre-placementtrainingisrequiredforanyonewhowishestobecomeafosterparent.Thetrainingincludes36hoursofcoursework,whichcoversbasicknowledgeaboutfostercare,aswellasagencypolicies.Duringeachcertificationperiodof2years,fosterparentsarerequiredtocompleteaminimumof40hoursofongoingtraining.Ifcaringforachildwhoreceives“specializedtreatment”,60hoursofongoingtrainingisrequired.

LimitingthenumberofchildreninthehomeSurveyResults:81.2%AvailablethroughoutOhio0%ValuedbyCaregivers


NoformaldefinitionislistedintheOAC.Basedupontheneedsofthechild,anagencymaylimitthehometooneortwochildren,etc.

Otherconsiderations: Consistencybetweenagenciesonpoliciesisneeded.FosterParentBillofRights

FosterParentBillofRightsisintendedtoinformfosterparentsoftheirrightswithinthechildwelfaresystem(NCSL,2019).AttachmentCprovidessuggestedcomponentstoincludeinaBillofRightsprovidedbytheFFTA.

*Thissupportwasnotlistedonouroriginalsurvey;itwasaddedtothelistafterfurtherdiscussionwiththeworkgroup.


OtherOACtermsanddefinitionsthatmaybeapplicabletosupportingfosterfamiliesinclude:

o OAC(204)"Parentaideservices"arethosesupportiveservicesprovidedbyapersonassignedtofamiliesasarolemodel,andtoprovidefamilysupportforaportionofthetwenty-four-hourday.

o OAC(205)"Parenteducation"isateachingprocesstoassistaparent,guardian,orcustodianindevelopingthebasicskillsnecessarytoprovideadequatecareandsupporttoachildinhisownhome.

o OAC(300)"Substitutecare"isthecareprovidedforachildapartfromhisparentorguardian,whilethechild'scustodyisheldbyaPCSAorPCPA.

OAC(301)"Substitutecaregiver"meansanindividualprovidingcareforachildwhoisinthecustodyofthePCSAorPCPAincluding,arelativeotherthanthechild'sparents,anonrelativehavingafamiliarandlongstandingrelationshipwiththechildorthefamily,afosterparentorpre-adoptiveparent,andastaffpersonofagrouphomeorresidentialfacilitywhoisprovidingcareforthechild.

Manyofthesesupportscanalsobeconceptualizedalongatimeframethatcorrespondswiththefosterparentingexperience,beginningwithpre-placementandmovingintoday-to-daycaregiving.Table3:SupportsProvidedintheFosterParentingExperienceTimeframe SupportsIdentifiedbytheWorkgroupPre-Placement • Needbasicinformationaboutachildbeforetheyareplaced

• Theabilitytodoabetterjobmatchingthechildwiththeskills/capabilitiesofthetreatmentfosterfamily

TrainingasTreatmentFosterCaregivers

• Basicandongoingtrainingwithassessment• Training:Weneedaskillsassessment

Day-to-DayCaregiving • Day-to-daysupports:driver,dinner-cooker,babysitter(separatefromrespite),tutor/mentor(e.g.,FaithBridgeFosterCare).Day-to-daycaregivingsupportsmaybepaidforviatheirownstipendoraspecificstipendforsuchservices.Otherservicescanoccuronavolunteerbasis.

• Seasoned/retiredcaregiversas"phoneafriend"volunteercircle--hotline!Peersupport.

• Formalmentoringwithseasonedfostercaregivers• Transportationtospecialappointmentsorunderspecialcircumstances

MomentsofCrisis • Crisis/emergencymanagementthatismorethan"callpolice"or"gotohospital"

• Connectioninmomentofcrisisinadditiontopolice/hospital(ideallyprofessionalbutalsofellowcaregiversupport)–atleastbyphone/Skypebutideallyinperson

Relationshipwithbirthparentorcaregiver

• Agencysupportforrelationshipbetweenbirthparentandcaregiver• Visitationshouldincludeopportunitiesforfrequent/dailyvirtualcontact

withbirthfamiliesandparents(includingsiblings)andintentionalweekly/semimonthlycontactwhenthechildisinfostercare

• Virtualcontactcanfocusonregularupdatesonchild’sroutine,education,extracurricular,orotherupdatestomaintaintheconnectionbetweenthechildinplacementandtheirbirthparents/family.

RelationshipwithAgencyorCounty

• Need"broadestopportunityforstatepolicy"tocomparewithmorerestrictivecounty/agencypolicyinordertomovetowardnormalcy

• FosterParentBillofRightsand/oradvocatetoclarifyforparentsThelistofsupports,theirknowndefinitions,andthetimeframeforwhenthosesupportswouldlikelybeutilizedbyfosterparentswasgivensignificantdiscussionbytheworkgroup.Oncethislistwasfullydeveloped,MightyCrowdevelopedacrosswalkbetweenthethreerecommendedtiersfortreatmentfostercare,theexpectationsforcaregivers,andthesupportsassociatedwithineachexpectation.Astheworkgroupdiscussedthesupportsthatwereconsideredmostvaluabletofosterparents,theimportanceofrelationshipbuildingcontinuedtobeemphasized.Relationshipbuildingbetweenfosterparentsasmentorstooneanother,therelationshipbetweenfosterandbirthparents,andtherelationshipbetweenfosterparentsandthesystemofcarewerealldeemedsignificant.Theseaspectsofrelationshipbuildingwereincludedinthecrosswalkdocument,whichisprovidedasAttachmentAtothisreport.InadditiontoAttachmentAandtheinformationprovidedinTables2and3,MightyCrowexaminedtheFamilyFocusedTreatmentAssociation(FFTA)StandardsforTreatmentFosterCareanddevelopedacrosswalkbetweentheirstandardsandsupports.ThiscrosswalkisprovidedasAttachmentBtothisreport.Thesedocumentsarereflectiveofoneanother,asTables2and3arerepresentedinthe

https://www.faithbridgefostercare.org/


supportslistedintheTierCrosswalk(AttachmentA),whichissimilartothesupportsdiscussedintheFFTAStandardsdocument.OneofthechallengesinOhioisthevariationofresourcesleadingtoinconsistencyinpracticeacrosscountiesandbetweenagenciesforthetypesofsupportsprovided.Thedifferencedoesimpactissuesofrecruitmentandretention,andmoreconsistencyisdesired.Theworkgroupindicatedthatthesupportsthatshouldbeinplaceforalltreatmentfosterparentsinclude:Peer-to-peersupport,supportgroups,24/7crisisandemergencyservices,andpaidrespite.

Supports Examples

Trumbull County Chi ldren Services (Northeast Ohio) and

Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (Central and Southeast Ohio) Theworkgroup’sthirdmeetingincludedpresentationsfromtwomemberswhohaveimplementedinnovativeprogramsthatprovidesupporttofamiliesinthefostercaresystem:TrumbullCountyChildrenServicesandIntegratedServicesforBehavioralHealth.Asummaryofeachsupportserviceisprovidedinthissection.FOCUSMentoringProgram:TrumbullCountyDeeDeePreziosofromTrumbullCountyChildrenServicesprovidedanoverviewoftheirFOCUS(FamiliesOfferingCareUnderstandingandSupport)MentoringProgramforCaregivers.Mentorshaveadefinedpurpose,whichincludes:

• Beingasourceofinformationanddirection• Assistancewithnavigatingthechildwelfaresystem• Linkagetocommunityresources• Provideinsight,understanding,andsharedexperience• Encourageproblem-solving,andprovideopenandhonestfeedback• Beingavailabletoserveasaconfidantinatimeofcrisis

Everynewlylicensedfosterparent(notonlytreatmentfosterfamilies)ismatchedwithaFOCUSmentor,andmentorshavecontactwiththeirmenteeatleastonceperweekforthefirstthreemonthsandthentwicepermonthforthenextninemonths.Mentorsalsoworkwithcaregiversoutsideoftheirfirstyearoflicensingintimesofneed.Mentorsreceivetrainingandabidebyamentoragreement,whichincludesconfidentiality,socialmediause,androledefinition.Mentorsarecompensatedfortheirwork.RiskManagement:24/7Support:IntegratedServicesforBehavioralHealthSamanthaShaferfromIntegratedServicesforBehavioralHealth(ISBH)discussedherorganization’sroleintheSoutheastandCentralOhioSystemsofCareCollaborative,whichisa12-countyODJFS/CPScollaborationalongwithpartnersinhealthcareandbehavioralhealth.ISBHservesasaleadfacilitatorinthiscollaborativeandprovidesRiskManagement,ResidentialServices,andHigh-IntensityHome-based

https://www.trumbullcsb.org/

http://isbh.org/


Services.TheRiskManagementProgramiscommittedtosupportingyouthandfamiliesbeingsafeandhealthytogether.Eligibleparticipantsincludeyouthandfamiliesinvolvedwithchildrenservices(i.e.,fostercare)and/oryouthandfamiliesatriskofinvolvementduetochallengesrelatedtomentalhealthandsubstanceuse.Supportsaredeliveredinthehomeandcommunitysetting365daysayear.Plannedandunplannedservicesareprovidedduringthenon-traditionalhoursofafter5pm,weekends,andholidays.Suchsupportservicescanactasagreatresourceforfostercaregiversastheycareforchildrenintieredtreatmentfostercare.Thegoalistoreducetheneedforemergencyroomvisitsorengagementwithlawenforcement.RiskManagershaveongoingcommunicationwithallnaturalandprofessionalsupportsidentifiedbythefamilytopromotemeaningfulcoordinationofcare.

• PlannedresponsesareactivitiesthatarescheduledaheadoftimebetweentheRiskManagerandtheyouth/family.Activitiesmayincludefamilyoutings,stabilizationwork,sharedactivitieswithfostercareprovidersandthebiologicalfamily.

• Unplannedresponsesareinitiatedbythefamilyorthroughthelocalchildrenservicesagencyandoftenwarrantaface-to-facevisitwiththeyouthand/orfamily.Supportcanalsobeprovidedoverthephonewhenappropriate.

Other Examples of Supports:

WerecognizethatthereareotherexamplesofsupportsthatexistinOhioandacrosstheUnitedStates.AstheimportanceofsupportscontinuestobediscussedinOhioandotherstates,wewillcontinuetoexaminewhatisavailableintheliterature.Providedbelowaretwoadditionalexamplesofsupports,oneofwhichisavailableinOhioatthistime.

CarePortalisatechnologyplatformthatconnectsvulnerablechildrenandfamiliestopeoplewhohavesomethingtogive,largelythroughchurchcommunities.FamiliesmakerequeststhroughtheCarePortal,andchurchesorministriesarelinkedtothefamily.Therearethreetiersofneedforrequests:

• Tier1:concretegoodsandserviceslikecribs,clothing,professionalservices,finances• Tier2:engagementrequiringabackgroundcheck.Examplesincludetutoring,mentoring,

substanceabuseclasses,supervisedvisitfacilities,transportationforadults,babysitting• Tier3:engagementrequiringspecializedtrainingoralicense.Examplesinclude:SafeFamilies,

fostercare,adoption

InOhio,CarePortalisactiveinFairfieldCounty,with11churchesinvolved.ThecountysponsorislistedasGarnerInsurance.InFranklinCountythereisonechurchinvolvedandasponsorisnotlisted.

FosterTogetherconnectsneighborstofosterparentsinaneffortto“buildavillageforourfamilies.”FosterNeighborsprovidesupportthroughhand-delivered,home-cookedmealsdeliveredonceamonth.Thereisathree-monthcommitmentwithaself-pacedtrainingsessionintheironlineportal.Aftertraining,neighborsarematchedvirtuallywithafamilyinneed.Aftergettingtoknowthefamily,theneighbormayexpandtheirofferings.Atthetimeofthisreport,FosterTogetherisnotinOhio.

https://www.careportal.org/

https://www.fostertogether.co/


Supports for the Biological Family: Parent Mentor Perspective Asthisworkgroup’sdiscussionprogressed,itbecameevidentthathavingtheperspectiveofabirthparentwhohadnavigatedthesystemofchildwelfarewasneeded.GretchenHammondhadtheopportunitytoengageinaninitialconversationwithAngelaCochran,PeerMentorforTrumbullCountyChildrenServices.AngelaisaCertifiedPeerRecoverySupportSpecialistandisaparentwhoexperiencedthechildwelfaresystemandsuccessfullyreunifiedwithherchildren.Becausethisconversationwassoinformative,shewasaskedtospeaktotheworkgroupandshareherperspectiveasaparent.GretchenHammondfacilitatedthisdialogue,withopportunitiesfortheworkgrouptoaskAngelaquestionsdirectly.Keypointsinthediscussionincluded:

• Terminology:Terminologythatthefieldusestodescribebirthparents,fosterparents,etc.isatopicofinterest,astheintentionistoberespectfulinthewordsweuse.Whenaskedforherperspectiveonthefollowingterms:BioParent/BirthParent,ParentofRemoval,andNaturalParent,Angelaindicatedthatmostbirthparentsjustwanttobecalled"Parents"or"MomandDad"versusanotherterm.Shealsosaidthathearingthechildrenrefertothefosterparentsas"parents"or"momanddad"isverypainfulandcreatesjealousy.ThetermSharedParentinghasalsostartedtocirculate;whenaskedaboutthistermsheindicatedthatthistermwasreallyconfusingandwouldmakebirthparentsthink"sharedcustody,"whichisnotthecaseandalsoanimplicationthattherereallyisanopportunitytoshare--whenthat'snottherealityofthesituation.Mostdecisionsandvisitationareinthehandsofthefosterparent,nottheparent,andsothisideaofcallingit"shared"almostfeelsunfair.Angelathoughttheterm"ResourceFamilies"wasmuchbetterandthatparentswouldunderstandwhatthismeant.Fromtheparents’perspectivetheywouldtranslatethatas,“thefamilyisaresourceformeandmychildren.”

• Supports:PeerSupport,RecoveryCoaches,SystemsNavigatorsareallveryimportantrolesfor

parentsfromAngela’sperspective;also,thesetypesofsupportsaresupportedintheliterature.Havingsomeonewhohassuccessfullynavigatedthechildwelfaresystemtosupporttheparentisveryhelpful,alongwithapeersupporterorcoachwhocansupporttheminaddressingotherchallengeslikeenteringtreatment,enteringrecovery,accessingmentalhealthservices,etc.TheregularcontactfrompersonsinthisroleisVITAL.Peersupporters,coaches,etc.tendtoseepeopleweeklyorbi-weekly,versusacaseworkerwhoseestheparentmonthly.Also,IntensiveCaseManagementisavaluedsupportbecauseoftheregularcontactandassistance.Angelaalsosaidthatthereisalackofsupportforfathers;theycansometimesseemtobeleftoutofthediscussionsonsupportsandservices.

• Visitation:Angelasaidthereisalackofvisitationwhenitcomestoparentswhomightbein

treatment.Inherexperience,shesawherkidslessthanfivetimesin18months.Thelackofvisitsistraumatizingfortheparentandthechild.Sheencouragedbeingmorecreativeaboutvisits:usingZoomandotherplatformstoengagewithparentsduringdinner,duringhomeworktime,etc.andelevatingvisitationfromonehourtoaregularoccurrencearoundnatural/normallifeevents.HavingaZoomcallacouplenightsaweekwhiledoingschoolworkallowstheparenttoengagewiththeirchildandthefosterparentandkeepstheminformedofwhatisgoingonwiththeirchild.Thisleadsdirectlyintothenextsuggestion.

https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/peer19_brief.pdf


• Keepingtheparentinformedofwhathasbeengoingonwiththeirchildisabigissue.Thechildrenwhodoreunifycomebackasstrangerstosomeextent.Mom/Dadneedtobeupdatedonschool,medicalissues,dentalissues,routines,etc.Angelasaidwhenherkidswerereunified,shereallyhadnoideaofwhattheirdailyroutinehadbeenbecauseshehadnotseenthemfrequently.Sheadvocatedforparentstobeincludedregularlyinthelivesoftheirchildren.Theywanttoseereportcards,gotoIEPmeetings,beincludedindoctorvisits,etc.Whileregularupdatesoneducationalandmedicaldecisionmakingarerequiredinthefostercaresystem,itisimportanttomaintainopen,transparent,andcollaborativecommunicationbetweenfosterandbirthfamilies.Plus,theseexperiencesarelearningopportunitiesfortheparent.ChildWelfareInformationGatewayhasseveralresourcesonbuildingtherelationshipbetweenparentsandfosterparents.

• Supportafterreunificationisessential.Thetransitionbackishard--andtheparentisnervous

aboutthereturnoftheirchildren.Wediscussedthatforparentswhohavegottensober,"sobermom"isterrifyingbecauseifyou'veneverparentedsober,youalmostdon'tknowwhattodo.Also,thechildrenhavechanged.Beforeremovaltheymayhavebeeninamoreparentifiedroleduetoaparent'sactiveaddictionoractivementalillness;nowthattheparentissoberanddoingbetter,thoserolesshouldchange.Thereisanatural"roughpatch"rightafterreunification,sothesupporttothatparentisveryhelpfulinpreventinganyfurtherdisruptionorreentryintothesystem.Angelasaidifsupportcanbeprovidedbythefosterparentsafterreunification,thatwouldbegreat,butshealsosaidthisiswherepeermentors,navigators,etc.cancomeintoplay.TheBirthandFosterParentPartnershipidentifiesfiveprotectivefactorsofrelationship-buildingbetweentheparentsandtheresourcefamilyas:parentalresilience,socialconnections,knowledgeofparentingandchilddevelopment,concretesupportintimesofneed,andsocialandemotionalcompetenceofchildren.

• Wealsowonderedaboutdataonreunificationwhenthereisastrongrelationshipbetweenthe

parentsandthefosterparentsbeforeandafterreunification.Meaning,dowehavedatathatdemonstratethatparentsdobetterifthisrelationshipisinplace?Thereisafactsheetfromchildwelfare.govforparentsthatdiscussestheprocess.CaseyFamilyProgramshasatipsheetonworkingwithfamilieswithsubstanceusedisordersthatincludesreunificationsupport.CASAforChildrenhasadetailedbriefwheretheyrecommend12monthsofpost-reunificationsupport.Moreinformationonthistopicisneeded.

• LinkagetoTreatmentandOtherServiceProviders:Parentswhoneedtoconnecttoservicesaspartoftheircaseplanneedhelpingainingaccess.Theyfacelongwaitsandcannotseemtogetintotreatmentservicesquickly.HavingMOUswithadulttreatmentprovidersthatprioritizeparentscomingfromthechildrenservicessystemwouldbehelpfulforparents.

OhioSTARTisanevidence-informedprogramthataddressesseveraloftheseareas.RecommendationsforSupports:PleaseseeSectionVIIforthegroup’srecommendations.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/permanency/reunification/parents/

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/permanency/reunification/parents/

https://ctfalliance.org/partnering-with-parents/bpnn/resources/%23bfpp

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/reunification.pdf

https://www.childwelfare.gov/

https://www.casey.org/what-are-some-of-the-strategies-being-used-to-reunite-families-with-substance-use-disorders/

https://advocacyinaction.casaforchildren.org/permanency/post-reunification-supports/

https://ohiostart.org/


IV. Training Thisworkgroupexaminedfourtopics:Supports,Training,Recruitment,andRetention,astheyareseenasinterconnected.Assuch,thetopicoftrainingwasdiscussedthroughouttheworkgroupmeetings.Thissectionprovidesanoverviewoftrainingforfosterparentsandtreatmentfosterparents. TrainingforfosterparentsisdescribedintheOhioAdministrativeCode(OAC),Chapter5101:2-5-33FosterCaregiverPreplacementandContinuingTraining.TheOACstates,“ArecommendingagencyshalldocumentthateachpersonseekingcertificationsuccessfullycompletesallPreplacementtrainingrequiredbythisruleaccordingtothetypeoffosterhomeforwhichcertificationissought.”Trainingincludespreplacementandthencontinuingtraining.TrainingrequirementsareseparatedbyPre-AdoptiveInfantFosterHome,FamilyFosterHome,andSpecializedFosterHome.TreatmentfostercarewouldfitwithintheSpecializedFosterHomerequirements,whichincludes36hoursofPreplacementtraining.Withinthe36hours,trainingincludesissuesspecifictothetypesofchildrenplacedinthetypeofspecializedfosterhomethepersonseekstooperate.Thecodeofferstwoexamples:

i. Issuesconcerningappropriatebehavioralinterventiontechniques,suchasde-escalation,self-defenseandphysicalrestrainttechniquesandtheappropriateuseofsuchtechniques.

ii. Educationadvocacytraining.Specializedfosterhomesmustcompleteaminimumof60hoursofcontinuingtrainingduringeachcertificationperiod.Therearelimitationsonhowmuchtrainingcanoccuroutsidetheclassroomsetting(e.g.,online).SpecificallytheOACstates,“Theacceptanceoftrainingthatiscompletedoutsideaclassroomwhereatrainerisnotpresent,shallbeconsideredbytherecommendingagencyonanindividualbasisandshallnotbeusedformorethansixhoursofPreplacementtrainingortomeetmorethanone-fourthofafostercaregiver’scontinuingtrainingrequirements.” Thereexistslimitedstandardizationoftrainingforfosterparents.Broadly,theFosterCareIndependenceActof1999(H.R.3443)requiresthatfosterparentsbetrainedinskillsandknowledgenecessarytocareforchildrenplacedintheircare,andrecommendsongoingtrainingtoupkeepfostercaregiverskillsaswell.BeyondrequirementsoftheFosterCareIndependenceAct,fostercaregivertrainingrequirementsandofferingsfallmainlytothediscretionofthefostercareagency. Currently,legislationispendingthatwouldmakechangestothetrainingrequirements.HouseBill8(HB8)amends2151.353,5103.031,5103.032,5103.033,5103.035,5103.038,5103.0313,5103.0314,5103.0316,5103.0317,and5103.31andrepealssections5103.039and5103.0311oftheAdministrativeCoderegardingfostercaregivertraining.TheORCrecommendationsinthebillarearesultoftheFosterCareAdvisoryGroup(FCAG).Afterthelawgetschanged,theplanwouldbetolookatthefollowingrecommendationsfromthatgroup:

• Decreasethenumberofpre-servicetraininghoursandre-focuspre-servicetrainingonthereadinessofprospectivefostercaregivers.

• Restructurefoundationalandongoingtrainingfornewfostercaregiverssuchasreducingpreplacementtrainingrequirementsandincreasingongoingtrainingonceafamilyhasreceivedaplacement.

http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5101:2-5-33

https://www.pcsao.org/pdf/misc/FCAGFinalReportMay2018.pdf


• Restructurefoundationalandongoingtrainingforfostercaregiverswhohavecompletedtheirinitialcertificationperiod.

• Permitmorealternativetrainingformatsforfostercaregivers.• Considermentoringandcoachingforfostercaregiversasneededordeterminedbythelicensing

agency.• Expandspecializedtrainingforfostercaregiverscaringfordrug-impactedchildren.

Themembersoftheworkgroupdiscussedaspectsoftrainingasitrelatestorecruitment,retention,andsupports.Sometypesoftrainingareasupport,especiallytrainingthatisspecifictoaddressingtheneedsofachildinthehome.Trainingontrauma,helpingchildrenadjusttothefosterhome,managingchallengingbehaviors,andlearningaboutagencyexpectationsforfosterparentsisconsideredoftheutmostimportance4.Theworkgroupalsodiscussedtheimprovementsinonlinetrainingandonlinecurriculumoverthepastfewyears,makingthelimitationononlinetrainingseemtoorestrictive.Discussionoverwhoprovidesthetrainingbetweenprivateandpublicagencies,howparentsarecompensated(ornot)forattendingtrainings,andinconsistencyindevelopingindividualtrainingplansforcaregiverswerealltopicsofdiscussion.Theworkgroupemphasizedthattrainingneedstobemeaningfultothepeoplebeingtrained,berelevanttotheneedsofthechildrenintheirhomeandhelpthemtobuildtheirskillsetsascaregivers.Flexibilityintheformatsavailablefortrainingisalsoneeded.AsOhioawaitslegislationonHB8,wealsorecognizethatconsistencyacrossregions,counties,andagenciesrelatedtotrainingrequirements,delivery,andsupportsfortrainingareneeded.

RecommendationsforTraining:PleaseseeSectionVIIforthegroup’srecommendations.

4Herbert,C.G.&Kulkin,H.(2017).Aninvestigationoffosterparenttrainingneeds.ChildandFamilySocialWork,23,pp.256-263.

V. Recruitment and Retention

Recruitmentoffosterparentsandtreatmentfosterparentsisatopicofsignificantdiscussiononanationallevelasjurisdictionsgrapplewithanincreasedneedforhomesandadeclineinthenumberoffamilieswhoarewillingtofoster5.TheAdministrationforChildrenandFamiliesacknowledgesthatrecruitmentisdifficultduetoincongruentapproachesutilizedbydifferentagencies(publicandprivate)andorganizations(non-profit,faith-based,etc.)andrecruitmentofthesamefamiliesbymultipleagencies.Recruitmentisimpactedbyretention,astheneedtooffsetfamiliesleavingisachallenge,withbetween30%and50%offamiliessteppingdowneachyearinmanystates6.

PCSAO’sChildren’sContinuumofCareReformPlan(May2019)recommendsthedevelopmentofstatewidefosterparentrecruitmentandretentionassistance,whichincludessevenspecificrecommendationsintendedtoimproverecruitmentandretention.Thoserecommendationsinclude:

i. Dedicatedstatefundingforrecruitmentandretentionoffosterparents,andensureadequatefundstocoverthetruecostofrecruitment,retention,andfosterparentsupport.

ii. PromotetheFosterCareAdvisoryGroup’srecommendationsregardingbestpracticesforrecruitmentandretention.

iii. Considerregionalapproachestorecruitment:a. Statefundingforrecruitmentb. Localandregionalmarketingeffortsc. UtilizationoftheAnnieE.CaseyFoundation’sFosterCareEstimatortoolwithvarious

levels,bycounty,byregion,bychild’sneeds.iv. Modernizerecruitmenteffortsandmoveawayfromtraditionalmethodsbyassessinglessons

learnedfromotherstates.v. Increaseavailabilityoffosterhomesinthecountysothatchildrendon’thavetobeplacedfar

awayfromtheirowncounty.a. ExplorewhatODJFSisdevelopingtoassistpublicchildrenserviceagencies(PCSAs)in

findingavailablefosterhomesb. ResearchotheroptionsthestatecouldusetoassistPCSAsinaccessingavailablefoster

homessuchastheEveryChildAPriority(ECAP)systemvi. EnhanceOhio’sfamilysearchandengagementeffortsandvariouspilotssuchas30Daysto

Family.vii. ExplorepossibleonlineportalssuchasBINTIthathelptoexpeditethelicensingprocessby

allowingfamiliestouploadrequireddocumentation.

Thereareagrowingnumberofevidence-basedprogramsforfosterparent(orresourcefamily)

recruitment.TheCaliforniaEvidence-BasedClearinghouse(CEBC)includesprogramsthatfocusonthe

5Kenny,J.(2017).RethinkingFosterParentRecruitment.TheChronicleofSocialChange.Retrievedfrom:https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/rethinking-parent-recruitment/24859

6Haskins,R.,Kohomban,J.&Rodriguez,J.(2019).Keepingupwiththecaseload:Howtorecruitandretainfosterparents.Retrievedfrom:https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2019/04/24/keeping-up-with-the-caseload-how-to-recruit-and-retain-foster-parents/

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/im2003

https://www.pcsao.org/pdf/advocacy/PCSAOChildrenContinuumOfCareReformMay2019Update.pdf


location,identification,recruitment,education,training,support,andretentionofadultswhoareinterestedinbeingresourceparentsorwhoarealreadyresourceparentswithinitsratingsystem.IntheCEBC,thereisoneprogramwithaScientificRatingof1:Well-SupportedbyResearchEvidence;thisprogramisTreatmentFosterCareOregon-Adolescents(TFCO-A).Therearethreeprogramswitharatingof2:SupportedbyResearchEvidence;theseprogramsare:KEEPSAFE,TogetherFacingtheChallenge(TFTC),andTreatmentFosterCareOregonforPreschoolers(TFCO-P).Therearefiveprogramswitharatingof3:PromisingResearchEvidence:FosterParentCollege,FPC-IHSBlendedIn-PersonandOnlinePre-ServiceTrainingforResourceParents,KEEP(KeepingFosterandKinParentsSupportedandTrained),NeighbortoFamilySiblingFosterCareModel(NeighbortoNeighbor),andPressleyRidge’sTreatmentFosterCare(PR-TFC)Pre-ServiceCurriculum.Thus,programscontinuetogrowintheirevidencebaseandcanbearesourcetoOhioasitlookstoimproverecruitmentandretention.

Mostindividualsbecomefosterparentsoutofasenseofsocialresponsibilityandaltruism,withafeelingofsocialobligationtoenhancethelivesofchildreninthefostercaresystem7.Whilerecruitmenteffortsvary(e.g.,massmedia,referralsfromreligiousorganizations,andreferralsfromotherfosterparents),recruitmentmethodsdonotnecessarilyimpactthenumberofchildrenfosterfamiliesserve,yearsoffosteringservice,familyintenttocontinuefostering,orfamily’sintenttofosterchildrenwithspecialneeds8.Factorsincreasingjobsatisfactionforfostercaregiversincludedfeelingcompetenttoworkwithchildrenplacedintheirhomeandthecaseworker(oragencyworkerassignedtothefamily)offeringpraiseandacknowledgingajobwelldoneforthefostercaregiver9.Commonreasonsfosterparentsexitordonotreturninclude(1)changingoflifesituation,(2)problemswiththeagency(e.g.,notfeelingappreciated,limitedresponseintimeofneed,notprovidedenoughsupport,badexperiencewithworkers),and(3)problemswithchildreninthehome(e.g.,notgivenenough/correctinformationabouttheneedsofthechildren)10.

TheCenterforStateChildWelfareData(2018)highlightshowlengthofservice(anindicatorof

retention)isimpactedbyvariousfosterparentandfosterhomecharacteristics,withthefollowingleadingtothelongestmedianlengthofservice(thetimebetweenwhenahomeislicensedtowhenitisclosed):

1. Fosterparentswhobeginparentingbetweentheagesof30-39followedbybetweentheagesof40-49,incomparisontofosterparentswhobeginparentingatagesyoungerand/orolder;

2. Homesapprovedforcaringformaleandfemalechildren;and3. Homesapprovedforcaringforsiblinggroups.

7Chipungu,S.S.&Bent-Goodley,T.B.(2004).Meetingthechallengesofcontemporaryfostercare.FutureChild,14(1),pp.74-93.8Cox,M.E.,Buehler,C.,&Orme,J.G.(2002).Recruitmentandfosterfamilyservice.JournalofSociologyandSocialWelfare,29(3),pp.151-177.9Denby,R.,Rindfleisch,N.,&Bean,G.(1999).Predictorsoffosterparent’ssatisfactionandintenttocontinuetofoster.ChildAbuseandNeglect,23(3),pp.287-303.10Ahn,H.,Greeno,E.J.,Bright,C.L.,Hartzel,S.&Reiman,S.(2017).Asurvivalanalysisofthelengthoffosterparentingdurationandimplicationsforrecruitmentandretentionoffosterparents.ChildrenandYouthServicesReview,79,pp.478-484.

https://fcda.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Foster-Home-Report-Final_FCDA_October2018.pdf


TheDiligentRecruitmentofFamiliesforChildrenintheFosterCareSystem:ChallengesandRecommendationsforPolicyandPractice(2019)11describesprocessasonethat:

Informsthecommunitiesoftheneedforresourceparents;reachingouttopotentialparents;respondingtointerestedfamilies,andassessing,training,andlicensingparents.Onceresourceparentsaresuccessfullyrecruitedandlicensed,supportingthemtocareforchildrenandtotakeprideintheirroleencouragesthemtocontinuetoprovidehomesforchildren.Inaddition,thesesupportshelpresourcefamilies’workwithbirthparentstowardreunificationwhenappropriateandidentifyandstrengthenconnectionswithothercaringadultsinthechild’sfamilyandsocialnetworks(p.5)

Whileourworkgroupagreedwithmanyofthechallengestorecruitmentandretentionavailableintheliterature,onesignificantissuewasidentifiedasbeingabsent:howresourceparentsandfamiliesareoftentreatedbythesystemitself.Theworkgroupparticipatedinananonymoussurveytogathertheirfeedbackonthetreatmentbythesystemoftheparentsitworkssohardtorecruitandretain.Fromthissurveycamethefollowingsetofconsiderations:

1. Fostercaregiversshouldfeellikearespectedmemberofthetreatmentteam(wheretheirvoiceandopinionareheardandrespected)andinvitedtothetable.

2. Fostercaregiversshouldhaveclearrightsandresponsibilitiesandnotexperienceroleconfusion.3. Fostercaregiversshouldhaveaccesstosupportswhileachildisplacedandafterachildis

reunifiedwiththeirbirthfamily(suchasgriefcounseling)sothatthetransitionafterachildexitsislessdifficult.

4. Fostercaregiversshouldhavetimetoprocesstheconclusionofaplacementandbegivensometimeinbetweenplacementsto“restandrecharge”betweenplacementswhilenotnecessarilylosingtheincomeofcaregiving(e.g.,familymayopttoserveasarespitefamilyforashortperiodoftime).

5. Fostercaregiversshouldnotloseincomewhenachild’slevelofcarehasbeenreduced.Reductionofpaymaybeseenasa“punishment”wheninreality,thedecreaseinlevelofcareisoftenduetothehardworkofthefostercaregiver/family,andtheyshouldberewardedandacknowledgedforsuch.

RecommendationsforRecruitmentandRetention:PleaseseeSectionVII.

11JamesBellAssociates(2019).Diligentrecruitmentoffamiliesforchildreninthefostercaresystem:Challengesandrecommendationsforpolicyandpractice.Washington,DC:Children’sBureau,AdministrationforChildrenandFamilies,U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.Retrievedfrom:https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/diligentrecruitmentreport.pdf


VI. Meeting Synopsis

Meeting#1

• Reviewinitialresultsfromsurvey:• SupportsavailableandutilizedthroughoutOhioandinspecificcommunities• FoundationalsupportsneededbyfostercaregiversinOhio• Trainingmodalitiesavailableandutilized

Meeting#2

• Updateworkgrouponsurveyresultsdiscussedduringmeeting#1• Discussdefinitionsoffostercaresupportsinhopestostandardize• CrosswalkfostercaregiversupportsandtheirapplicationtoOhio'sTTFCmodelproposedduringphase#1

Meeting#3

• CrosswalkFamilyFocusedTreatmentAssociation(FFTA)Standardsforcaregiverrequirementsandcaregiversupports• DiscussspecificInnovationeffortsinOhiofeaturingTrumbullCo.MentoringProgramandIntegratedServicesforBehavioralHealthRiskManagementProgram.

Meeting#4• PresentationfromAngela(PeerSupporter/ParentMentor,TrumbullCounty)

Meeting#5

• ReviewfirstdraftofreportfromtheSupports,Training,Recruitment,andRetentionworkgroup


VII. Recommendations

Supports First,werecommendthatsupportforresourcefamiliesbeincreasedandmadeconsistentlyavailableacrossall88countiesinOhio.Second,werecommendthesesupportsinclude:

a. Persontopersonmentoringforresourcefamiliesandmentoringforbirthparentsthatbeginsearlyinthelifeoftherelationshipandcontinuespost-reunification.

b. CrisisInterventionthatfocusesonrisk-managementtohelpreducesituationswhereacrisisensues.Thiscrisisinterventionshouldbedeliveredin-personorthroughtheuseoftechnologyandshouldnotbereliantuponadirectivetocall911orgotoanemergencydepartmentexceptwhenitisnecessaryforthehealthandsafetyofthoseinvolvedinthecrisis.

c. Anoverallshiftinfocustoconsiderfostercareasasupporttofamilies,asdescribedintheApril2020InformationMemorandumfromtheAdministrationforChildrenandFamilies12,whichrecommendsbuildingandsupportingrelationshipsbetweenresourcefamiliesandparentstofacilitateimprovedengagementofparents,promotetimelyreunification,buildprotectivecapacitiesinparents,andstrengthenoverallchildandfamilywell-being,whileensuringchildsafety(p.1).

d. Relationshipbuildingsupportsbetweenthebirthfamily(includingsiblingsandotherfamilymemberswhoareimportanttothechild/ren)thatarefacilitatedbytheagencyearlyinthelifeofthecaseandcontinuepostreunification.StrategiesforrelationshipbuildingasdetailedintheBirthandFosterParentPartnership(June2020)13throughtheChildren’sTrustFundAllianceandtheYouthLawCenter’sQualityParentingInitiativeshouldbeexaminedandputintopractice.AttachmentDprovidesanexcerptfromtheRelationshipBuildingGuide,whichincludessuggestionsforintroductoryandongoingmeetingsbetweenresourcefamiliesandparents.

Thesesupportsshouldreflecttheneedsidentifiedwithinthetiersoftreatmentfostercare,asdetailedinAttachmentAofthisreport.Thiscrosswalkprovidesanoverviewofthesupportsneededacrossdomainswithineachtier.

Training First,werecommendthattrainingrequirementsandplansforresourcefamiliesintieredtreatmentfostercarebeconsistentacrosspublicandprivateagencies.Second,werecommendthattrainingbeofferedinvariousformatsincludingin-personandrobustonlineeducationthatisavailableforallresourcefamilies.Third,werecommendtraininginclude:

12IM-20-06:FosterCareasaSupporttoFamilies;publishedApril29,2020.Retrievedfrom:https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/im2006

13https://ctfalliance.org/partnering-with-parents/bpnn/resources/


a. Increasedfinancialsupportforresourceparentsrelatedtothecostoftraininginadditiontoincreasedsupportforchildcarewhenresourceparentsareengagedinatrainingsession.

b. Skill-basedtrainingthatbetterpreparesfosterparentsforaddressingtheneedsofchildrenwhohaveexperiencedtraumaandmayhaveotherbehavioralchallenges.

c. Trainingontopicsthatincludegriefandloss,compassionfatigue,andself-careforresourcefamilies.

d. Caregiverskillsassessmentstohelpmeasuretheskillsandabilitiesofresourceparentsandprovideopportunitiesforrecognitionofgrowthintherole.

e. Arestructuredtrainingformatthatincludes:i. Shorterpreservicetrainingthatfocusesonreadinessforplacement;ii. Increasedfoundationaltrainingoncethefamilytakesaplacement;andiii. Ongoingtrainingthatincludesspecifictrainingmodules/sessionsfocusedongriefand

loss,compassionfatigue,andself-care.

Recruitment Werecommendthatevidence-basedrecruitmentstrategiesbeemployedacrossthestateofOhio,andthatthosestrategiesinclude:

a. Clearexpectationsaboutwhatitmeanstobeafosterparent(i.e.,clarificationonthedifferencebetweenfosteringandadoptionandtheroleofafosterparentandatreatmentfosterparent).

b. Theuseofasystemnavigatororpointpersonwhocansupportpotentialresourcefamiliesduringtherecruitmentprocess,aspotentialresourcesfamiliesmayfeeldisconnectedfromtheprocessearlyon.

c. Theavailabilityofmentorstoaidinrecruitmentandtrainingofpotentialresourcefamilies.d. Anincreaserecruitmentoffamilies/homesthatcanaccommodatesiblinggroupsandyouthwith

diverseSOGIE(sexualorientation,genderidentityandexpression).

Retention Aswithrecruitment,werecommendevidence-basedretentionstrategiesbeemployedacrossthestateofOhio,includingtheprovisionofsupports.Werecommendthatretentioneffortsinclude:

a. Providingresourcefamilieswithavoiceindecisionsbeingmadeaboutthechildintheircare,includinganinvitedpresenceincourthearings,intreatmentteammeetings,andinotherdecisionsthatimpactthechild.Thissenseofvoicecontributesdirectlytoasenseofbeingvalued.

b. Opportunitiestoproviderespitecareservicespriortoacceptingaplacement,especiallyaplacementintreatmentfostercare,asamethodforbuildingskills.

c. Trainingthatismeaningfulandrelevantandworkstobuildtheskillsetofresourceparentsandtheiroverallsenseofself-efficacyincaringforchildrenintreatmentfostercare.

d. Theprovisionofsupportsthroughoutthelifeoftheplacementandinbetweenplacementstohelpresourcefamiliesfeelvalued.


e. Anincreaseinrecognitionforresourcefamilies.Suchrecognitionscanincludeendofyearcelebrations,awardceremonies,andotherformsofmorefrequentrecognitionofaccomplishmentandsuccess.

f. Increasingincentivesforresourcefamilieswhoachieveskill-basedmilestonestohelpresourcefamiliesbuildupontheirskillset.Theseincentivesprovideanopportunitytorecognizetheworkputintoimprovingone’sskillsetandcapabilitiestoworkwithchildrenwhomayhavemultiplechallenges.

Terminology

First,werecommendashiftinterminologyusedwithinthetieredtreatmentfostercaremodelacrossall88countiesinOhio.Languageisacorecomponenttosupportsandrelationship-buildingbetweenthebirthfamiliesandresourcefamilies.Second,werecommendthisterminologyshiftinclude:

a. Areviewofcurrentterminologyusedintreatmentfostercare,includingterminologyusageinstatuteandruletoconsiderationtheuseoftheterm“resourcefamily”whenreferringtoanindividualand/orfamilycaringforachildorchildrenplacedintheirhomewithinTieredTreatmentFosterCare.Thetermresourcefamilyemphasizestheimportanceoftherelationshipbetweenthechild/ren,theirbirthfamilies,andtheirfosterfamilieswhoarearesourcetobothparties(birthparentsandthechild/ren).TheACYF-CB-IM-20-06states,“CBisalsomakinganefforttoreferto“fosterparents”asresourcefamiliesasanefforttoemphasizetheenhancedrolethatresourcefamiliescanplayinthelivesofchildrenandtheirparents,servingasasupport,asopposedtoaplacementalone.CBencouragesallcolleaguestomakeasimilarefforttobeawareofthewordsweuse”(p.1).

b. Referringtobirthparentssimplyas“parents”asdiscussedintheACYF-CB-IM-20-06.TheIMstatesthat“CBismakingaconsciousefforttostopusingtheterms“birthparents”and“biologicalparents”andsimplyrefertoachild’sparentsasparents.Wearemakingthiseffortattherequestofparentswithlivedexperiences…Webelievethatqualifyingparentsas“birth”parentsor“biological”parentscanbeexperiencedasdisempoweringandcandeemphasizetheprimacyoftheparentchildbond”(p.1).

c. Additionalresearchonterminologyutilizedtorefertothelicensedindividualwithintheresourcefamily.FurtherresearchincludesresearchonwhatotherstatesaredoingandresearchingtheperspectivesofkeystakeholdersinOhio(i.e.,birthfamiliesandresourcefamilies).

d. Ashifttotheuseof“resourcefamily”acrossOhio’sentirefostercaresystem,includinginfamilyfostercare.

Additional Considerations Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

AsthemajorityofthemeetingsofthisworkgroupconvenedduringtheCOVID-19pandemic,muchthoughtwasputintoitsimpactonthechildprotectionsystemandourworkinthisspecificgroup.Itisimportanttonotethatfostercaregiversareatthefrontlinesofcaringforchildrenintheircare,especiallyduringtheCOVID-19pandemic.Assuch,wehaveoutlinedthefollowingadditionalrecommendations:

a. Werecommendgreater flexibility in visitation that encourages more visits with the family and more collaboration between the public child welfare caseworker and the worker at the private agency. We also recommend the use of virtual visits to assist in flexibility for the resource family and increased opportunities for collaboration between the workers and the parents of the youth.

b. Werecommendincreasingthenumberofexpectedvirtualconnectionsbetweenresourceand birthfamilies,toaidinthetransitiontothefosterhomeandeventuallybacktotheprimary familyhome(whenappropriate).Increasedopportunitiesforrelationshipbuildingbetween birthandresourcefamiliesarecrucialtoeachtransitioninadditiontothewell-beingofall stakeholders. We recognize that the relationship-building work between the youth's parents and the resource family will be new to some organizations in Ohio and may require additional training and supports.

25

4.3.2020SupportsforTiersCrosswalkPreparedbyMightyCrowfortheTTFCWorkgroup 1

AttachmentA:TiersCrosswalk

Tier1:CaregiverSkillsandCorrespondingSupports

CaregiverSkillsCategory

Description CorrespondingSupports

PlacementExperienceAcceptance

Acceptsyouthafterreturningfromshorthospitalizationstay(30days),afteratrialhomevisit/reunification,afterapre-adoptiveorpre-kinshipplacementdisruption,afterashortstay(72hours-59days)inresidentialtreatment)

- Assistanceinthetransitionbackintothetreatmentfosterhome

- Morefrequentvisitations/meetingswithagencystaffatbeginningofplacementtoassistwithtransition

- In-homevisits- Buildrelationshipwithbiologicalparentstogetan

understandingofthechildandbeginsupportbetweenresourcefamilyandbiofamily

- UtilizetechnologyasameanstoconnectHomeenvironment,supervision,guidance,andstructure

Mayincludeuseofalarmsondoors/windows,visualmonitors,orothersafetydevices.Providesadultsupervisiontoassuresafetyofallinthehome,metregularlywithculturallyappropriatebehavioral/MHprofessionaltoadaptparenting

- Staffavailableforregularcheck-ins/meetings- Day-to-daysupportsonanas-neededbasistohelpsupport

caregivers- Placementmatchingthatconsidersthespecificneedsofthe

child/youthandhowtheymatchtotheskills/abilitiesofthecaregiver/family.Considerincludingneedsassessmentintrainingtohelpinmatchingthechild/youthandcaregivingfamily.

- Optionalmentoringsessions(individualorgroup)withcurrentand/orprevioustreatmentfosterfamilies

Education Supportseducationalsuccessandattendanceforyouthwithcurrentissuesinschool(i.e.suspension,truancy,schoolphobia,etc.)Includesdisruptivebehaviorsthatrequirecaregiver’sregular(morethanweekly)interventionattheschoolwithyouth.

- Specifictrainingtoattendtoeducationalneedsofchildren(i.e.IEP,etc.)

- Accesstotutoringservicesasapartofday-to-daysupportsasneeded

- Assistancewithhelpingmaintainthechildintheirexistingbuilding/districtandsupportfortransportation

Identity Caregiverdemonstratesandmentorsyouthtodevelopskillstosafelynegotiatedifficultiesindiversesettings.Regularcoordinates,attends,orhostsculturalcommunityeventstohelpyouthestablish,develop,andmaintainconnectionstotheirculturethatbuildstheiridentity

- Agencyprovidesupdatedscheduleofeventsinnearbyneighborhood/communitytohelpchildmaintainconnectiontotheircultureandbuildtheiridentity

- Agencyprovidesregularlyupdatedresourcelistofagencieswithintheneighborhood/community

- Agencysupportinmaintainingtherelationshipwithbirthfamily(asappropriate)


Health(PhysicalandBehavioral)

Completetrainingfrommedicalprofessional.Supportmentalhealthneedsbyparticipatinginon-goingfamilytherapy,ormeetingwithMHprofessionaltoimprovecaregiver’sfamilycommunication.Caregiverputsintoactionspecificparentalstrategiesinthehome&specificcontinuingcareplanforyouth’smedical/developmentalneeds,andmonitorsspecifichealthconcerns/developmentallags:

- Dailybasiccareassistancethatcanbeaddressedwithminimalcaregivertraining

- Takesyouthtomedicaland/ortherapyappointmentsoutsideofhome(over6hoursoftimepermonth)

- Participateswithin-homeprofessionalservicesseveraltimesamonth

- Agencyoffersflexiblein-houseschedulefortrainings(medical,etc.)

- Whenpossible,agencyprovidesscheduleofalternativein-personandvirtualtrainings

- Agencyregularlyupdatesscheduleoftrainingavailableforcaregivers

- Agencysupportforaccessingandutilizingcommunity-basedservices(i.e.linkage,etc.)

- Agencyoffersfinancialsupportfortransportationrelatedtomedical(physicalandbehavioralhealth-related)appointments.

- 24/7crisis/emergencyserviceswheremoreconcreteassistanceisprovided(morethan“gotohospital”or“call911”)

FamilyConnections

Supportsfamilyand/orsiblingvisitsorcontacts,helpsyouthprepareforvisits,andhelpsthemwithanyreactions.Sharesinformationwithbirthfamilytopreserveconnections(i.e.upcomingappointmentsandactivities).Caregiversharesinformationwithyouthabouttheirfamilytopreserveconnections.

- Agencysupportforrelationshipbuildingbetweenbirthparentandcaregiver

- Agencyassistswithcommunicationbetweencaregiverandbirthfamily

- Trainingincludesinformationoncommunicationtechniquesforusewithbothbirthfamilyandyouth.

- Siblingconnectionsaswellasparentconnections;coordinatingthosevisitstoallowsiblingstoseeoneanother

- Helpingwiththelogistics,introductions,etc.andfigureouttheexpectations,etc.Usevirtualmeetingsasatool

- Ensuringkinshipfamilieshavethecontactinformationtoresourcefamilytoallowsiblingstoconnect

- Ensuringthatbabiesalsoareconnectedtosiblings- Incentivizearoundhelpingmakethosefamilyconnections

(thinkingaboutextendedfamilymembers)Respite Mayincludeanywherefrom8-14hoursaweek,inadditiontoone

respiteweekendamonth- Agencyhasspecificrespitehomesorplaninplaceforwhen

respiteisneededtopromoteretentionandavoidcaregiverparentburnout.

- Otherretentioneffortsshouldalsobetakentoavoidburnoutofcaregiverparents.

OlderYouth Providesyouthages14-19withappropriateindependenceandsupport,providingthemwithdecisionmakingopportunities.

- Agencystaffprovideassistanceonas-neededbasisforhowtopromoteindependenceforolderyouth

- Agencymayprovidefamilieswithadditionalstipend/moniesforchildtohaveaccesstocellphoneorother


resources/activitiesPeer-to-PeerSupport

Theneedforacommunityofcarebetweenfosterparentswasatopicthatcameupasavalueandasanecessarycomponentofqualitycare,support,retention,andrecruitment.Stakeholderswithlivedexperienceasfosterparentsvocalizedtheimportanceofbeingabletocalluponotherfosterparentstosolveproblemsthatariseinthehome,andtoprovideoneanotherguidanceandsupport.Thementorshipofoneanotherwasalsoabenefitofthiscommunityofcare.

- Agencyhasproperscreeningproceduretodeterminewhichcurrent/previoustreatmentfosterparentswillserveas“good”mentors

- Agencymaintainsapoolofcurrent/previousTFCparentstoserveaspeermentorstootherTFCparents

- Agencydeterminespolicyforaccesstopeermentorservices



(**Tier2wouldreceiveallsupportslistedinTier1)

CaregiverSkillsCategory Description CorrespondingSupports


Acceptsyouthreturningtohomeafter60daysormoreinresidentialtreatment,orotherresidential/correctionalprogramorhospitalization.

- Assistanceinthetransitionbackintothetreatmentfosterhome- Morefrequentvisitations/meetingswithagencystaffat

beginningofplacementtoassistwithtransition- In-homevisits

Homeenvironment,supervision,guidance,andstructure

Providesone-to-onesupervisionwhocannotbeleftaloneinanyroomofthehomewithoutaresponsibleadultduetoemotionalfunctioningormedicalconditionrequiringcontinuoussupervision.

- Staffavailableforregularcheck-ins/meetings- Day-to-daysupports(i.e.dinner/cooker,babysitter)onamore

regularbasis- Placementmatchingthatconsidersthespecificneedsofthe

child/youthandhowtheymatchtotheskills/abilitiesofthecaregiver/family.Considerincludingneedsassessmentintrainingtohelpinmatchingthechild/youthandcaregivingfamily.

- Optionalmentoringsessions(individualorgroup)withcurrentand/orprevioustreatmentfosterfamilies

Education Supportsyouthinhome-basededucationalprogramwhomayhavebeenexpelledfromschool,involvedinalternativeeducationprogram,orcannotattenddailyschoolprogram.


- Tutoringservicesprovidedregularly- Tutoringservicescanoccurin-personorvirtually

Identity Caregivershavetransformedtheirdailylifetoincludeyouth’sindividualidentityandcommunity.Normalcyactivitiesaspartofdailyroutineareencouraged.



- Agencysupportinmaintainingtherelationshipwithbirthfamily(asappropriate)


Caregiverhasknowledgeaboutyouth’smedicalormentalhealthneedsandadjustsparentingtoindividualhealthneeds,utilizingcommunitymedicalandMHservices.

- Providesbasiccare(i.e.feeding,diapering,etc.)- Requiredtocompletetrainingfrommedical

professionaltoprovidespecificmedicaltreatmentsandmonitormedicalequipment






- Takesyouthtomedical/therapyappointmentsoutsideofhomeseveraltimesamonth(requiringmorethan12hours/month)

- Activelyparticipateswithin-homeprofessionalservices

- Provideson-goinground-triptransportation,16ormoretimesamonth

- Agencyoffersfinancialsupportfortransportationrelatedtomedical(physicalandbehavioralhealth-related)appointments.

- Supportsmayincludespecific“respite-like”caregiverswhovolunteerfortransportationservicestoassistwithmedicalneedsofchild

- 24/7crisis/emergencyserviceswheremoreconcreteassistanceisprovided(morethan“gotohospital”or“call911”)

FamilyConnections Contactwithyouth’sparents/relativesiscomplexanddifficult,butcaregiver(s)maintainssaferelationshipandcontactwithyouth’sfamilybyexercisingsoundjudgment




Respite Thismayinclude15-28hoursormoreinaweek,Inadditiontoonerespiteweekendamonth.

- Agencyhasspecificrespitehomesorplaninplaceforwhenrespiteisneededtopromoteretentionandavoidcaregiverparentburnout.

- Respitecaregiverswillhavespecificandmoreintensivetrainingtobeabletoserviceneedsspecifictoachildwithinthe2ndtier.


OlderYouth Providesyouthages14-19withappropriateindependenceandsupportthatallowsthemflexibilitytomaketheirownchoices,whileprovidingguidanceneededtomaintainhouseholdroutineandmutualrespect.


- Agencymayprovidefamilieswithadditionalstipend/moniesforchildtohaveaccesstocellphoneorotherresources/activities

Peer-to-PeerSupport Theneedforacommunityofcarebetweenfosterparentswasatopicthatcameupasavalueandasanecessarycomponentofqualitycare,support,retention,andrecruitment.Stakeholderswithlivedexperienceasfosterparentsvocalizedtheimportanceofbeingabletocalluponotherfosterparentstosolveproblemsthatariseinthehome,andtoprovideoneanotherguidanceandsupport.Thementorshipofoneanotherwasalsoabenefitofthiscommunityofcare.






(**Tier3receivesallsupportslistedinTiers1and2)

CaregiverSkillsCategory

Description CorrespondingSupports


Acceptsyouthreturningtohomeafter90ormoredaysinresidentialtreatmentorotherresidential/correctionalprogramorhospitalization

- Assistanceinthetransitionbackintothetreatmentfosterhome

- Morefrequentvisitations/meetingswithagencystaffatbeginningofplacementtoassistwithtransition

- In-homevisitsHomeenvironment,supervision,guidance,andstructure

Providesone-to-onesupervisionofyouthorisresponsibleforensuringanotheradultprovidessuchsupervisioninthehomeandcommunity.Youthcannotbeleftaloneinanyroomwithoutaresponsibleadultduetoemotionalfunctioningormedicalcondition.Amentalhealth/socialservicesprofessionalhasidentifiedthesafetyriskanddevelopedawrittensafetyplanforthecaregiverstofollow

- 24/7emergencyon-callservicesbeyondjust“callthepolice”or“gotothehospital”

- Day-to-daysupportsonanas-neededbasistohelpsupportcaregivers

- Placementmatchingthatconsidersthespecificneedsofthechild/youthandhowtheymatchtotheskills/abilitiesofthecaregiver/family.Considerincludingneedsassessmentintrainingtohelpinmatchingthechild/youthandcaregivingfamily.

- Regularlyscheduledmentoringsessions(individualorgroup)withcurrentand/orprevioustreatmentfosterfamilies

Education Supportsyouthinhome-basedprogramwhomayhavebeenexpelledfromschool,involvedinalternativeprogram,orcannotattendadailyschoolprogram(notincludinghomeschoolprogramthatacaregiverdecidedtoprovideordaytreatmentwhereeducationisacomponent)


- Tutoringservicesprovidedregularly- Tutoringservicescanoccurin-personorvirtually- Supportfromagencystaff/caseworkerwitheducationalneeds

ofthechildIdentity Caregivershavetransformedtheirdailylifetoinclude

youth’sindividualidentityandcommunityintocaregiver’sdailylife.Caregivercanlistthesubstantial,deliberateparentingactionstheytaketonurturechild’sprideintheiridentityandinvolvementingroupactivitiesthatbuildpositiveself-image.Normalcyactivitiestakeaconcentratedefforttoassurecommunityinvolvementandrequiresupporttoallowforengagementskillpracticeandcoaching.



- Agencyisheavilyinvolvedinallcommunicationbetweenbirthfamilyandcaregivers(asappropriate)andsupportscaregiverinmaintaintherelationship


Transformsparentingtosafelymanageyouth’scomplexbehaviorsorconditionsthatareasafetyrisktoselfor



others.Caregiverhasknowledgeaboutyouth’smedical/MHneeds,adjustsparentingtomeetindividualhealthneeds,andutilizescommunitymedicalandmentalhealthservices.Additionally:

- Providesbasiccarenottypicalforayouth- Requiredtocompletetrainingfromamedical

professionaltoprovidespecificmedicaltreatmentsandmonitormedicalequipmentinthehome

- Takesyouthtomedicaland/ortherapyappointmentsoutsidethehomeseveraltimesamonth,requiringmorethan16hoursofcaregiver’stimeeachmonth

- Activelyparticipateswithin-homeprofessionalservicesseveraltimesamonth,requiringmorethan20hoursofcaregiver’stime/month

- Providessubstantialdailybasiccarenottypicalforayouth

- Provideson-goinground-triptransportation,20ormoretimesamonth




- Agencystaffsupportduringorinplanningforin-homeservices

- Agencyoffersfinancialsupportfortransportationrelatedtomedical(physicalandbehavioralhealth-related)appointments

- Supportsmayincludespecific“respite-like”caregiverswhovolunteerfortransportationservicestoassistwithmedicalneedsofchild.

- 24/7crisis/emergencyservices(morethan“gotohospital”or“call911”)

FamilyConnections Contactwithyouth’sparents/relatesiscomplexanddifficult,butcaregiver(s)safelymaintainsarelationshipandcontactwithyouth’sfamilybyexercisingsoundjudgment.




Respite Thismayinclude29hoursormoreinaweek,inadditiontoonerespiteweekendamonth.

- Agencyhasspecificrespitehomesorplaninplaceforwhenrespiteisneededtopromoteretentionandavoidcaregiverparentburnout.

- Respitecaregiverswillhavespecificandmoreintensivetrainingtobeabletoserviceneedsspecifictoachildwithinthe2ndtier.


OlderYouth Providesyouthages14-19withappropriateindependenceandsupport,whileprovidingguidanceneededtomaintainhouseholdroutineandmutualrespect


- Agencymayprovidefamilieswithadditionalstipend/moniesforchildtohaveaccesstocellphoneorotherresources/activities


Peer-to-PeerSupport Theneedforacommunityofcarebetweenfosterparentswasatopicthatcameupasavalueandasanecessarycomponentofqualitycare,support,retention,andrecruitment.Stakeholderswithlivedexperienceasfosterparentsvocalizedtheimportanceofbeingabletocalluponotherfosterparentstosolveproblemsthatariseinthehome,andtoprovideoneanotherguidanceandsupport.Thementorshipofoneanotherwasalsoabenefitofthiscommunityofcare.





QRTPSupportsandApplicationtoTier3TFC

QRTPRequiredSupports ApplicationforTier3 SupportsNeededforCaregivers

Providetrauma-informedmodelofcaredesignedtoaddressneeds(includingclinicalneeds)

Utilizetrauma-informedcaretraininginthehome

Incorporatetrauma-informedcareintotrainingforfosterparents

Registered/licensednursingstaff/licensedclinicalstaffwhoareon-siteconsistentwithtreatmentmodelavailable24/7

Accessresourceswithinthecommunityandprovidedviatheplacementagency

24/7crisissupportthatiscloserto“supernanny”ratherthan“callthepoliceorcall911”

Facilitatesfamily’sparticipationinachild’streatmentprogram.Facilitatesfamilyoutreach,documentshowthisoutreachismade,andmaintainscontactinformationforanyknownbiologicalfamilyandfictivekinofchild.Documentshowthechild’sfamilyisintegratedintothechild’streatment,includingpostdischarge,andhowsiblingconnectionsaremaintained.

Maintainscontactandrelationshipwithbirthfamily(asappropriate).Bothbirthandfosterparentsparticipateintreatmentteammeetingsandplanningtobestsupportthechild.

Supportfromagencyandstaffforrelationshipbuildingbetweenfosterandbirthfamily.

Providesdischargeplanningandfamily-basedaftercaresupportsforatleast6monthspost-discharge

Maintaincontactwithchildasappropriateoncereunificationisachieved

Trainingongriefandlosstohelpprepareparentsforreunification.AlthoughtheultimategoalofTFC(whenappropriate),achildmovingoutofthehomecanbeverydifficultforFosterParents.

ProgramislicensedandnationallyaccreditedbytheCommissiononAccreditationofRehabilitationFacilities(CARF),theJointCommissiononAccreditationofHealthcareOrganizations(JCAHO),theCouncilonAccreditation,orothers

Parentattendsnecessarypreserviceandongoingtrainingtoupkeeplicensingandknowledgeinspecificareas

Provideflexibleschedulingandofferingsoftrainings(in-personandonline).Considerincludingthefollowing:childcareisprovidedduringin-persontraining,paidtrainingregardlessofifin-personoronline,incorporateaneedsassessmentintotrainings.

AttachmentB:FFTAProgramStandardsandCorrespondingSupports

FamilyFocusedTreatmentAssociation(FFTA)ProgramStandardsandCorrespondingSupports

Introduction:“TheFFTAisanagency-ledorganizationofTreatmentFosterCareandothertreatmentfamilycareprovidersestablishedin1988withaninitialpurposeofdefiningandrefiningtheTreatmentFosterCarepractice”(FFTA(2019).ProgramStandardsforTreatmentFostercare,5thed.).Section2:TreatmentParentsprovidesanoverviewoftheroleoftheTreatmentParent,includingtheresponsibilitiesoftheTreatmentHome.Wehavetakentheseresponsibilitiesandlistedthemout,alongwiththedescriptionfromFFTA,andthenalignedthemwiththecorrespondingsupportsthatwouldbeneededfromtheagency(Pleaseseepages32-35oftheabovereferenceddocument).Thissectionalsostates:“ProspectiveTreatmentParentsshallbeprovidedwithanshallreviewwithProgramStaffawrittenlistofdutiesclearlydetailingtheirresponsibilitiesbothasTreatmentParentsandasfosterparentspriortotheirapprovalbytheProgram”(p.32).

TreatmentHomeResponsibilities

DescriptionfromFFTA CorrespondingSupports

Assessment Participateinassessmentprocessandprovideallnecessaryinformationrelevanttodevelopmentofchild’streatmentplan.

- Agencystaffareavailableforsupportasquestionsariseduringtheassessmentandtreatmentplanningprocess.

TreatmentPlanning

ParticipatewithCaseworkerandotherteammembersindevelopmentoftreatmentplans.

TreatmentImplementation

- Assumeprimaryresponsibilityforimplementingeffectivein-hometreatmentstrategiesspecifiedinthechild’spreliminaryandcomprehensivetreatmentplanandrevisions.

- Assistthechildinunderstandingtreatmentgoals,objectives,andinterventionsandforhelpingchildtoachievesuccess.

- ShouldinterventionsNOTbeeffective,itistheTreatmentParent’sresponsibilitytocollaboratewithProgramStaffandthetreatmentteamtoreviseinterventionsaccordingly.

- Agencystaffavailableforin-homesupportregardingtasksassociatedwiththechild’sTreatmentPlan

- AgencyprovidestrainingthatincludeshowtoengagechildinconversationsabouttheirTreatmentPlan,goals,andobjectives.

- ProgramstaffshouldprovideassistanceandsupportfortheTreatmentParentwithimplementationstrategiesasneeded.

TreatmentTeamMeetings

- WorkcooperativelywithotherteammembersundertheleadershipoftheCaseworker.

- Activeandfullparticipantsinteammeetings,trainings,andothergatherings.

- Provideinputandengagewithothertreatmentteammembers.- Bepreparedtopresentrelevantinformationthatcontributestothe

child’streatmentevaluation,assessment,andprogressandtofullyengagewithteammembers,includingchild’sfamily.

- AgencystaffavailabletohelpfacilitateconversationsbetweenTreatmentParentsandbirthfamily(asappropriate).

- IfaTreatmentParentcannotattendinperson,ProgramStaffshouldarrangefortheirparticipationviavideooraudioconference.

RecordKeeping - Keepsystematic,accurate,anddescriptiverecordsincludingchild’sbehaviorandprogress,familycontacts,appointments,communityactivities,andface-to-facecontactswithProgramstaff.

- Informationshouldberecordeddailyorweeklywithfrequencydeterminedbytreatmentplan.

- Systematicallyrecordinformation,logmedicationadministrationanddocumentactivitiesasrequiredbytheProgramandthestandards,regulations,andcontractualobligationsunderwhichitoperates.

- Incorporaterecordkeepingskills/strategiesand/ortoolsintotrainingforTFCparents

- Agencymaintainslistofavailablesupports(i.e.mentalandbehavioralhealthagencies,etc.)

- Agencymaintainsscheduleofcommunityevents

ContactwithChild’sFamily

- Assistyouthinmaintainingcontactwiththeirfamily(includingsiblings).- Responsibleforpositiveandmeaningfulengagementwithachild’s

family,creatingapositiverelationshipbetweentheTreatmentFamilyandthechild’sfamily.

- Activelysupportchild’scontactwithfamily,includingarrangingandsupervisingvisitation,providingtransportation,andassistingchildinhavingcontactvialetters,phoneconversations,andemail.

- Haveregularcontactwiththechild’sfamilytoreinforcethepositiverelationship,toreportonthechild’sprogressandgoals,andtoattempttoincludethefamilyineventssuchasbirthdaycelebrations,doctorappointments,andschoolactivities.

- ProgramStaffwillworkwithTreatmentParentsandthechild’sfamilytoavoidconflictofinterestandconfusionforthechildorfamily.

- AgencysupportsTFCparentsinmaintainingpositivecontactwiththebirthfamily**

TechnologyandSocialMedia

- EachTFCfamilywilldeveloptechnologyrulesthatareappropriatefortheirhouseholdandconsistentwiththechild’streatmentplan.

- Parentsmonitortechnologyuse.- Discusswithyouththepotentialdangersofpostingorsharingpersonal

identifyinginformation.- Reinforcewithchildrenandyouththeimportanceofprivacyand

confidentiality

- Programshallrequirethatchildrenandyouthunderage14haveconsentofProgramandTreatmentParentstoaccessanyonlineresourceortechnology,includingemailaccounts,socialmediasites,andothersocialnetworking**

PermanencyPlanningAssistance

Assistchildinmeetingpermanencygoal(s)including:- Providesupportandinterventionsuchasemotionalsupport,

informationsharing,anddemonstrationofeffectivechildbehaviormanagement

- Maintainpositive,supportiverelationshipswithbiologicalfamily(asappropriate)andworkcollaborativelywithfamily

- Assistyouthindevelopingself-sufficiencyandtransitioningtoadulthood

- AgencyprovidessupporttohelpmaintainpositiverelationshipbetweenTreatmentParent/sandbirthfamily(asappropriate).

- IftheTreatmentParentisacandidateforbecominganadoptiveparent,ProgramstaffneedtoclarifytherolesoftheTreatmentParentsinrespecttofamilyinvolvedinthelivesofthechildrenandyouth.

CommunityRelations

- Developandmaintainpositiveworkingrelationshipswithserviceprovidersinthecommunity(i.e.departmentsofrecreation,socialserviceagencies,mentalhealthprograms/professionals).

- SpreadawarenessofandgaincommunitystakeholdersupportforTFCwheneverpossible.

- Agencyprovidesregularlyupdatedlistofavailablecommunitysupports(professionalsandagencies)

- AgencyprovidesassistancelinkingTreatmentParentswithavailablecommunityresources

SchoolRelations Assumeprimaryresponsibilityforongoingrelationshipswithteachers/administratorsinchild’sschool:- Monitorschoolattendance,homework,andacademicachievement.- Stayawareofprogramsandinformationthatcouldimpactyouthin

theircare.- Informprogramstaffandschooladministratorsofharassmentupon

becomingawarethatitisoccurring.

- HelpTFCparentadvocatetoensurechildrenandyouthintheircarereceiveallneedededucationalservices.

- Agencyprovidesspecifictrainingrelatedtosupportingeducationalneedsofchildren(i.e.IEP,etc.)

- Agencyprovidesaccessingand/orlistoftutoringservicesavailableaspartofday-to-daysupports

Advocacy Advocateonbehalfofchildtoachievegoalsidentifiedintreatmentplan;obtaineducational,vocational,medical,andotherservicesneededtoimplementtheplan,andtoensurefullaccesstoandprovisionofpublicservicestowhichthechildislegallyentitled.

- Agencymaintainslistofavailablesupportsinthecommunity(educational,behavioralhealth,medical,etc.)

- AgencysupportsTFCparentinaccessingservicesasneeded

NoticeofRequestforChildMove

Avoidmovestonewfosterfamiliesorkinshipcaregiverswheneverpossible.Ifamovebecomesunavoidable,TreatmentParentsshallprovideatleast30days’noticetoProgramStafftoallowforplannedandminimallydisruptivetransition:

- ParticipateinadirectmeetingwithProgramStafftodiscussinterventionsthatcouldpreservetheplacement.Ifnoneisfound,themeetingparticipantswilldiscussproperplanningforappropriatetransition.Thechildoryouthshallbenotifiedassoonasitisclearatransitionisimminent.

- Agencyprovidespreventivesupportstoavoidmovetonewfoster/kinshiphome

- Agencyprovidesdocumentationnecessaryformoveifunavoidable

- Agencyprovidesinformationonnegativeoutcomeassociatedwithnewplacementsforchildrenduringtraining

CulturalCompetency

TreatmentParentsmustbewillingtobecomeculturallycompetent,bewelcomingandaffirmingofdiversepopulations,bewillingtorecognizetheirownbiasesandabletoacceptandunderstandtheimportanceofculturalissuesinfamilyandcommunitylifeandintreatmentplanning.

- Agencyprovidesinitialandongoingculturallycompetenttrainingandsupport

- AgencystaffhelpsTreatmentParentsmaintaincontactwithbirthfamily(asappropriate)tounderstandimportantculturalaspectsofthebirthfamily’sdailyliving,etc.

**DirectquotefromFFTAstandards.ThestandardsdetailTreatmentParentsupportsasfollows:InformationDisclosure,Respite,AgencyResponsiveness,Counseling,SupportNetwork,FinancialSupport,ResourcesandInformation,andDamagesandLiability.

AttachmentCFFTABillofRights:CoreFeatures

ABillofRightsforTreatmentParentsshouldinclude:1.RespectfulTreatment:TreatmentParentswillbetreatedwithdignity,respect,trust,andconsiderationasvaluedmembersofthetreatmentteam.2.ProgrammaticSupport:TheProgramwillprovideaccesstoprogramstaff24hoursaday,7daysaweek.3.Reimbursement:TheProgramwillprovidewritteninformationregardingTreatmentParentreimbursementinatimelymanneraccordingtothewrittenplan.Informationregardingpotentialchangesinreimbursement,suchasmovingthechildtohigherorlowerintensityofcareovertime,shallbeprovidedtotheTreatmentParentspriortotheplacementofachild,orinthecaseofchildrenlivingwithkin,atthetimethefamilybecomesinvolvedwiththeprogram.4.PlacementDecisions:Theprogramwillprovidepre-placementinformationregardingtheneedsofchildrenandyouthinthematchprocessforplacementintheTreatmentFamily’shome.Thisincludesinformationaboutbehavioralproblems,healthhistory,educationalstatus,culturalandfamilybackground,resultsofassessmentsandevaluations,andanyotherinformationknowntotheProgramatthetimethechildisplaced.Atanypointthatfurtherinformationbecomesavailable,theProgrammustsharethatinformationwiththeTreatmentFamilyimmediately.TreatmentParentsshallhaveinputintodecisionsdeterminingwhetherthechildwouldbeanappropriateplacementforthem.TheProgramshallinformtheTreatmentParentsofcourthearingsandofdecisionsmadebythecourtsorthechild’slegalrepresentativethataffecttheplacementofthechild.5.Treatment:TreatmentParentswillbepartofthetreatmentplanningprocess,withtheiropinionsandsuggestionscarryingthesameweightasthoseoftheothertreatmentteammembers.6.Respite:TreatmentParentswillhaveaccesstoadequaterespite.7.Training:TheProgramwillprovidethetrainingandsupportnecessaryforTreatmentParentstoprovidecareandtreatmentspecifictotheneedsofchildrenandyouthintheirhome;theProgramwillprovideongoingsupervisionregardingimplementationofthetreatmentprocess.8.GrievanceProcess:TheProgramwillprovideaccesstoafarandimpartialgrievanceprocesstoaddresslicensure,casemanagementdecisions,anddeliveryofserviceissues.TreatmentParentsshallhavetimelyaccesstotheProgram’sappealsprocessandshallbefreefromactsofretaliationwhenexercisingtherighttoappeal.9.MaltreatmentAllegations:WhenaTreatmentParentoranyoneinthehouseholdisaccusedofmaltreatmentofchildrenoryouth,theProgramwillensurethesafetyofallchildreninitscarewhilealsoadvocatingonbehalfoftheTreatmentParentoffamilymemberforaspeedyandfairinvestigatoryprocess.Unlessprohibitedbytherulesoftheinvestigatingbody,theProgramshallinformtheTreatmentParentinpersonandinwritingofmaltreatmentallegations.TheProgramshallprovidetotheTreatmentParentsinformationabouttheinvestigatoryprocess,includingtheTreatmentFamily’srightsandresponsibilities.AwrittennotificationshallbeprovidedtoaTreatmentParentwithinfivedaysoftheagency’sreceiptofthatdecision.

Source:FFTA(2019).ProgramStandardsforTreatmentFostercare,5thed.,pp.12-13

1 A Relationship Building Guide

1. Building the RelationshipBuilding a positive relationship between the birth parent and the foster parent/kinship caregiver at the beginning of the placement can help create a smooth transition so that the the children or youth are able to experience the love, support and care of two families. When both families are willing to work together to coordinate the care of the children or youth, it allows them to maintain a sense of identity and family history and helps them understand the new relationships in their life. It also helps the birth parent and the foster parent feel more supported. Positive relationships lead to:

� Supporting regular open communication about ways the parentscan meet the specific needs of the child or adolescent.

� Helping both families get questions answered.

� Keeping routines and traditions for the child or adolescent asconsistent as possible.

Two particular strategies, comfort calls and in-person family introductory meetings, can help to begin the relationship building process by talking about important background information relating to the children or youth and also learning more about one another. Comfort calls usually happen within 24 hours of the children or youth being placed in a home. Social workers can request permission from birth parents to share their telephone number. This is usually the first time that the birth and foster parents will begin talking with one another. An in-person family introductory meeting (also referred to as an icebreaker meeting) is best held within three to five days after placement and is another way to help build this connection.

Other creative ideas for initial relationship building situations include: a meeting at the hospital or medical center, team meetings and group orientations or trainings. Because Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) frequently have contact with birth parents and foster parents during visits with children, they are in a unique position to talk with them about the positive impact of partnering together to help meet the needs of the children or youth

in care. All of these strategies support the relationship building process by providing an opportunity for:

� The birth parent to develop a sense of being respected for whathe/she knows about his/her child and the foster parents beingaccepted as a support for the children or youth.

� The foster parent/kinship caregiver to let the birth parent know of his/her interest in working in partnership with the parent tominimize the trauma of foster care and support reunification.

� Both sets of parents to talk about the unique needs and interestsof the children or youth in care (e.g., sleeping habits, foodpreferences, likes and dislikes, etc.).

Equally important is recognizing and creating healthy dialogue between foster parents/kinship caregivers and birth parents on topics to recognize the individuality of the children or youth in care and their families.

It is important to consider:

� Different parenting styles and discipline practices

� Cultural beliefs and traditions

� Ethnic practices

� Sexual identification and the need to be sure that all people arefree from any form of discrimination

� Religious beliefs and the importance of supporting any existingreligious beliefs and practices of the child.

� Medical/dental history

� Other daily practices (e.g., haircare, grooming, hygiene andnutrition)

It could be uncomfortable for the foster parent/kinship caregiver or the birth parent to discuss some of these issues. If you do not know how to approach a certain subject, it is best to ask for more information in a respectful and caring manner.

“As a foster parent, I have deep appreciation for the challenges faced by birth parents when their children are placed in the foster care system and in my home. My goal is to do all I can to help them achieve their goals of getting their children back home. After they are reunified, I try to stay in touch if that is welcomed by the birth parent and remain a support to the whole family.”

Robyn Robbins, foster parent (California)

A Relationship Building Guide 2

1. Building the RelationshipBirth Parent Foster Parent/Kinship Caregiver

Suggested ways to build a strong relationship with the foster parent/kinship caregiver through comfort calls and

other introductory meetings to share your knowledge about your child, maintain a close bond and keep in

regular contact with your child.

Suggested ways to build a strong relationship and support the birth parent in comfort calls and other introductory

meetings to help you understand the experiences, culture, traditions and routines of the child so that you

can better respond to the needs of the family.

Here are some ideas you may want to share or discuss during a comfort call or an in-person family introductory meeting:

¨ I really love and care about my child.

¨ I am hoping that my child will be able to come back home to me.

¨ I want to know how my child is doing.

¨ I want you to know about my child’s medical information.

¨ I want you to know what my child really likes.

¨ I want you to know what my child doesn’t like.

¨ I want you to know that my child needs this routine for bedtime.

¨ I would like to know what school my child will attend.

¨ I would like to know how many children you have cared for inyour home.

You may wish to ask questions about where your child is placed and information about the foster parents/kinships caregivers such as:

¨ What does your home look like?

¨ Are there any other children in your home?

¨ What does an average day in your house look like?

¨ How will my child fit into your family?

¨ How do you handle discipline in your family?

It would be valuable for you to share your child’s sleeping habits, food preferences, likes and dislikes, medical issues, school progress and other relevant information to help the foster parent/kinship caregiver provide a smooth adjustmen for your child.

Here are some ways that you can introduce yourself during the comfort call or in-person family introductory meeting:

¨ “Hi – I am Betty, the foster parent taking care of your son for now. I can tell that he really misses you and his dad. I wanted tomake sure that you knew who was taking care of Tommy and Iwould love for you to help me to do this.”

The foster parent/kinship caregiver may ask the birth parent questions such as:

¨ Do you have any ideas how I can help your child tonight?

¨ What is your child’s favorite toy? Likes? Dislikes?

¨ What is your child’s favorite song that he/she likes?

¨ Does your child have a bedtime routine or any sleep habits?

¨ How are you doing?

¨ Do you have anyone who can support you right now?

¨ Can I tell your son or daughter that you are doing okay to helphim or her feel more comfortable?

If you are comfortable doing so, you might share information about your family size and the ages and gender of the other children in your home. You may also want to describe a little about what your home looks like and the general neighborhood where you live.

If the birth parent does not want to talk during the first comfort call, you may say you understand why they may be upset and ask if it would be okay to call back. Explain that you would like to share how their son or daughter is doing and also obtain ideas from the parent about how best to support their child at this challenging time.

Some suggested ways to talk with the foster parent/kinship caregiver about topics to recognize the individuality of your child:

¨ You may wish to share information about how your child looksforward to certain religious holiday celebrations. For example,your child may wish to light Chanukah candles during thisJewish holiday. You may wish to ask to take your child to thesynogogue to celebrate this time together.

¨ You may wish to share how you help your daughter braid her hair. You might ask to arrange a weekly time to help her do this.

¨ You might want to share your child’s likes or dislikes aboutdifferent activities (e.g., playing in snow, riding a bicycle, etc.).

¨ You may wish to talk about cultural opportunities for your teensuch as participation in Tribal gatherings, LGTBQ and other support groups that meet regularly.

Some suggested ways to talk with the birth family about topics to recognize the individuality of their child:

¨ You may be unsure about how to assist a child/youth with their grooming, haircare or hygiene due to their cultural upbringing.You might ask the birth parent:

¡ “Do you have any advice on how to best help your child withtheir grooming and haircare – does she/he have any specialclothing preferences?”

¡ “Does your child have a favorite way of bathing – does he or she prefer a shower or bath?”

¨ You may learn that the child or youth wishes to attend weekly religious services. You may wish to talk with the birth parents tomake arrangements for this.