Foster Care in CA

Each year, 26,000 American youth “age out” of the foster care system. In the past, these children lost everything including their homes, healthcare, financial assistance, and contact with social workers. This occurs after they may have already been abandoned, neglected, abused, and spent their lives cycling through foster homes. They are less likely to form strong bonds and may not have the same access to family support as biological children when they turn 18. Fortunately, federal guidelines have been put into place that require states to assist these youth with [...]

When a foster child comes to your home, you’re not only becoming a caregiver—you’re also becoming a teacher. Chances are, the child has not had the opportunity to learn practical life skills. You may be the first person to take her under your wing and teach these things. Even if the child ends up not staying at your home, he will carry those life skills with him and be much better equipped to face the world. Cooking Cooking is a very basic life skill. Without it, a child that ages [...]

As the need for two incomes has become more necessary many families are finding it difficult to make healthy choices. Parents are working more and their children are hooked on digital “babysitters”. However, with a little preparation, parents can promote healthy lifestyles for themselves and their kids. Plan ahead. Unlike pre-packaged and frozen meals, healthy meal options take some preparation. The first step in providing nutritionally-sound foods should include creating an actual menu before writing the shopping list. Knowing what side dishes will be served with which entrees will ensure [...]

Around 425,000 children are in the United States foster care system. Unfortunately, in many areas, there is an ongoing shortage of foster parents. While there may be a number of factors influencing this problem, it’s not as difficult to get started in foster care as some may think. Here is an overview of the process. Find a Local Foster Care Agency Every area will have a public foster care agency, as well as at least one private one. A private agency generally offers more personalized and prompt attention. You may [...]

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 [...]