A Day in a Foster Family's Home

This is a fictionalized composite from the experiences of multiple foster families.

Derrek & Marie are currently fostering Diego, a 6-year old boy. This is an example of a day in their home.

It’s 10:00am and Diego’s Caseworker and Guardian Ad Litem will arrive any minute.  There’s fresh coffee in the pot, and Support Team Member, Floyd, has arrived to watch Diego during the meeting. The doorbell rings, and for the next hour Derrek, Marie and the two guests sit around the table talking about Diego’s special needs, how to best parent and support him, as well as the possibility of Diego returning home to his mother, who’s working hard to reunify with her son...

Supporting A Family in the Day-to-Day

• Offer your time. Parents know how your time can best serve their family.

• Offer your eyes. Set aside time to watch the kids while parents have meetings, errands to run or need an afternoon to rest.

• Offer your ears. Take opportunities to listen and empathize as parents discuss some of the challenges they’re facing.

• Offer your dinner.  Delivering a cooked meal gives families the opportunity to build attachment and spend extra time together.