Let’s Get Real about the Foster System. What things did or did not help during the fostering process? Some providers aren’t helpful, especially if you don’t know who to talk to. I have been very careful who I’m going to seek help from. I want them to...
How to start the process of fostering and gather support and resources. Where does a new foster-parent-in-training begin? When I was adopting, we started through Lifeline Children’s Services. I knew they had an international program for adoption and were Christian-based, which was perfect for me because I...
When you hear “social media”, what comes to mind? What ways would you describe social media? Are they positive attributes? Negative? What do you think about when considering teens and the use of social media? Have those attributes changed? Though social media is a great source...
Treatment and Prevention Signs of Substance Abuse “Social dysfunction at school or work, poor performance, etc.” (AmericanAddictionCenters) “Loss of energy or motivation” missing/loss of money used to obtain substances “Risky behaviors while intoxicated” Withdrawal symptoms Lying and manipulation to maintain habit Isolation Dilated pupils, red or...
Many children that come through the foster system are often either victims of substance abusers or struggle with addiction themselves as a way of coping with trauma. Addiction is more prevalent in these cases, and it can even be due to genetics, leading to an...
Many children in the foster system come with trauma caused by abuse and neglect. Neglect is “the most common form of child maltreatment and happens when a parent or caregiver does not provide,” (CWIG). This can cause children harm and negatively impact their development. “At...
With social media becoming more prevalent in today’s society, so are the dangers of sextortion. Sextortion is, “when a person is threatened that explicit images of themselves will be revealed if they do not meet certain demands,” (Thorn.org). Tactics used by predators are called “grooming,”...
As Christmas approaches, it is important to remember what the holiday is really about: The sign of hope and love through the gift of Jesus. When thinking about love, hope and giving, it is important to keep in mind the struggling foster families that may...
Grief Around the Holidays With the holiday season approaching, many families struggle with grief. Whether it is foster children longing for their birth family or vice versa, a loss of a family member, separation from a loved one whom they cannot spend the holidays with, and...
November 1-30th 2024 Theme – “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds” There are many stories out there about adoptive families and their experiences with adoption. Jessica Roberts tells her story as a mom by sharing her journey that brought her family into adopting: https://lifelinechild.org/article/national-adoption-month-why-we-adopt/. Another adoptive...