Advocating for your family and for the children in your care is essential. The “system” does not go out of its way to provide benefits, services or information to foster parents. Many new parents are afraid to advocate for resolution to ongoing problems but allowing issues to go unresolved can lead to burnout and compromised care for children placed within your home.
You will be a more successful foster parent if you build relationships with other parties
Document, document, document! Writing down major events and contacts may be important as the case progresses and can protect your family in case of an investigation.
Problem solve, find solutions – If there is a problem, offer a possible solution instead of a complaint.
Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask your worker, your GAL or the birth parents questions. You need information to do your job as a foster parent.
You will be a more successful foster parent if you build relationships with other parties
- Birth Parents – A working relationship with the birthparents is invaluable!
- Workers - Keep a list of all the workers that come to your home along with contact numbers.
- LGALs – The child’s court appointed lawyer will play an important role in the court room. Know and contact your child’s GAL. Sample letter of introduction: http://oca.georgia.gov/sites/oca.georgia.gov/files/related_files/document/Letter%20of %20Introduction.pdf
- Other members of the team and community – Schools, therapists, other foster parents
Document, document, document! Writing down major events and contacts may be important as the case progresses and can protect your family in case of an investigation.
Problem solve, find solutions – If there is a problem, offer a possible solution instead of a complaint.
Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask your worker, your GAL or the birth parents questions. You need information to do your job as a foster parent.