Mental Health Resources and Advice from Debra Patterson, clinical psychologist at Children's of Alabama and Cindy Jones, Director of Psychiatric Intake Response Center at Children's of Alabama. Q: How do you notice the signs of someone you know or love struggling with mental health? A: Sometimes it’s...
Do you ever get the feeling that someone you know and love is struggling with something, but you don’t want to pry before they are ready to talk about it, while equally scared to overlook the issue? I think many people can relate to that....
This testimonial is from the perspective of a foster mom and educator of children. She balances being a teacher and foster parent while maintaining strong relationships with all children under her care. In understanding the severity of the issues in the foster system, like case...
The Foster World is Not in a Land Far Far Away… Tell me about yourself… I am a foster and adoptive mom. I have been fostering for 8 years. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve seen children struggle to find safe and loving homes. I’ve seen...
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...