In a recent episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis, Courtney Williams, and Travis Vangsnes answered recent listener submitted questions. This was a great way to delve into some of the complexities and emotional nuances of foster care. Brian, Courtney, and Travis offered their own insights and advice from experience for both current and prospective foster parents.
Six Great Questions Answered:
(These are snippets, for the full conversation and longer answers check out the full podcast at the end.)
1. What do you wish more people knew before starting the process of fostering as a foster parent?
- Courtney: “Ask a lot of questions so you understand the placement’s needs… and know you can say no if it’s not a good match.”
- Brian: “The wrong yes might lead to a permanent no afterwards. Be realistic, not just optimistic.”
- Travis: “Be authentically you, embrace humor, and have expectations but don’t be overly rigid.”
2. How do you handle the goodbye when a foster placement ends?
- Travis: “Marking that occasion of goodbye is important… maybe a meal, something special to send them off.”
- Courtney: “Set the stage with the kiddo to make them know that we love them… and be mindful of their emotions.”
- Brian: “Sometimes you click with kids and sometimes you don’t… do what’s best for the child.”
3. How can I know if I’m ready to be a foster parent?
- Courtney: “We have a list of questions… like, am I going to be able to accept a kiddo when I don’t know their history?”
- Travis: “Courage results when our convictions are bigger than our fears… my spouse and kids, we’re in on this together.”
- Brian: “If your schedule is barely manageable now, adding a child will overwhelm it. Ensure you have margin.”
4. Why do foster families often quit within the first year, and how can this be prevented?
- Travis: “Lack of support and resources are highly mentioned reasons… do more preparatory groundwork.”
- Brian: “Fostering tends to be a season in life… make sure your first placement is an appropriate placement.”
- Courtney: “Do your research and understand what foster care takes… watch our webinars before talking to a placement agency to be well-prepared.”
5. How do I support foster families in my community if I’m not fostering myself?
- Courtney: “Transportation is one of the biggest ways… foster families say, we are flailing, we need help.”
- Travis: “Call your local child welfare office… ask how you can help support foster homes.”
- Brian: “Assume they need help and they’re not asking… be proactive and specific in offering help.”
6. I’m interested in helping youth who have aged out. Are there any great organizations or ways to help?
- Brian: “We created Dreammakers... it’s dreams that kids who’ve aged out say, I wish this were true for me.”
- Courtney: “Reach out to your local county… mentorship is a huge need for that age and stage.”
- Travis: “Check mentoring.org… it has connections to facilitate matches across the country.”
