Creating Safe Places in Families for Kids in Foster Care

A Safe Place for Everyone in the Family
Although adding a foster sibling to the family is exciting for the children already in the home, when a family is placed there are a myriad of changes occurring. Trauma can manifest itself in the form of challenging behaviors that are emotionally, even physically challenging. As a result, building healing connection and trust with a foster child requires a high level of parental attention. Sometimes other children in the family may feel neglected or forgotten during this intense process. Below are some suggestions to ensure that the needs of all children in the family are nurtured during placement.
Prepare children for possible challenges: As is appropriate – and while maintaining respect for the foster child – consider having a conversation with existing children about the needs of a new child coming into the home. Encourage children to ask questions and keep explanations appropriate for their developmental phase. 

• Develop a quality time schedule: Commit to one-on-one time with existing children, create a schedule, and think of some fun things to share together during that time. You could stay in and create a craft, watch a movie, go for ice cream, or any other activity that is important to the child.
• Provide a safe space for children to express their feelings: It is important that children can safely express their feelings about the challenges that may arise in having a new foster child in the home. Provide opportunities for existing children to share about experiences and feelings; whether that be through talking, drawing, or journaling. Help children understand that whatever they are feeling is okay and that you will support them in getting through whatever occurs. Frequently let existing children know you are praying for them.
• Support Team, Support Team, Support Team: Project 1.27 requires the development and implementation of a support team for a vital purpose. This journey can be hard and foster families cannot do it alone. Families who would appreciate or need assistance may not be reaching out for help. If it’s difficult to remember the last time you reached out for prayer requests or to offer support, it may be time to make a connection.
  
  

A Safe Place for Every Child in Foster Care
Across the United States, including in Colorado, there is a critical need for more foster parents. At Project 1.27, we’d like those foster parents to be exceptional, people of strong faith with a desire to offer sacrificial love to a child who has experienced the trauma, grief and loss inherent to foster care. We’d like every child in foster care to have a family supported by people like you. Training support people like you is a unique part of Project 1.27’s training.

As you plan for Christmas gift giving, would you consider giving a gift to Project 1.27 so more families can be recruited, trained and supported, so more children can experience the safety and love of a Christian family and support system.

GIVE NOW