Children First FFA

With more than 62 thousand foster children in the California system, it is important for families to have the support and guidance needed to provide quality care. Luckily, children and parents in the foster care system are provided with many services to ensure the stable success of families. The services offered go far beyond those provided by standard state and county agencies. Social workers Foster care works best when foster parents and social workers work as a team to meet the children’s needs. Social workers are the first step and [...]

Trying to protect a child in your home, whether they be biological, adopted or fostered, can be a daunting task as entertainment devices, social media, and the internet permeate our society. The risk for access by predators or the viewing of inappropriate content is not affected by who cares for a child. While biological parents have more control over the activities their children are involved in, those involved in foster parenting may have questions about their rights and responsibilities regarding the online presence of the children in their care. Children [...]

Raising children is no easy task, but when caring for someone else’s children, it can be even more difficult. Right now, there are nearly 60,000 foster children in California and more than 600 of them are currently living with families in Shasta County. Many of these children have psychological or behavioral issues stemming from emotional or physical abuse. These issues can make caring for those children a trying and exhausting endeavor for full-time foster parents. Fortunately, the families that are involved in foster care are not left without resources. The number [...]

Foster parenting is quite a bit different than parenting biological children. For those who are new to foster care, there may be a few surprising realities. Here are some of the most common myths that foster parents encounter when they venture into this whole new world. Myth: My foster child will be grateful I rescued him. A removal from biological parents, or even previous foster parents, can feel like a kidnapping to the child. You won’t be able to expect that she will immediately run into your arms, call you [...]

Too many times, we hear about negative things that happen in foster care, but there are many true stories of foster children who have been helped. Here are several stories of both parents and children that are sure to inspire you. Eric & Jaci Hasemeyer The Hasemeyer family led a fairly normal life until one day, when Jaci encountered a fifth-grade boy who refused a free ticket to the skating rink because there would be no one to take him. Eric and Jaci had three kids at the time, but [...]

So you want to become a foster parent? Whether you are planning to become one in five years or you’re ready to start as soon as possible, there are a few requirements your home will need to meet. Each state has its own set of requirements, but here are some of the main ones that are expected in most states. Your home must comply with codes. Does your home comply with all of the state and local codes for zoning, residential buildings, fire, and safety? You must prove to the [...]

When a foster child comes to your home, it’s often a frightening and overwhelming experience for the child. He or she is being dropped off at the house of strangers and is now at your mercy. She doesn’t know if you’re safe and he doesn’t know if you’re going to be a harsh and exacting taskmaster. Everything is new and strange. Avoid Coerced Actions Welcome the child to your home with a soft voice and a warm smile, but unless the child initiates it, do not force them to hug [...]