Francesca's Foster Care Story

Thanks to some inspiring youth at Elevate, Iowa's advocacy organization for youth in foster care, we're privileged to share insights from those who know our foster care system the best - our young people.

Here what Francesa, an alumni of Iowa's foster care system, has to say about her experiences and why parents shouldn't be afraid to foster teenagers.



Were you inspired or surprised by anything she had to share? If you've ever considered fostering teens, check out our list of Top 10 Reasons to Foster Teenagers.

Thanks!

Why foster parents matter

Last month at a youth conference in Ames, several youth and community members stopped by our booth to offer their thoughts on why foster parents, and support for youth in foster care, are important. Here's what they had to share!

"Changing my part of the world"

The best way to learn about foster care is to hear from the folks directly involved. Thanks to our awesome spring intern Hanna, we have a series of video interviews to share with you during May's National Foster Care Month, starting today with an area family who fosters teenage girls.

Look for more videos this month that will share thoughts from teens currently or formerly in foster care, thanks to the youth advocacy group Elevate!

Thanks to Deb below for sharing her insights, and to all of Iowa's wonderful foster families.

You make an incredible difference.

Check out our events page for more info on what's happening during May's National Foster Care Month! Here's a couple items coming up. If you're in the area, we'd love to have you there:

Saturday, May 7 - Get Lifted! in Cedar Rapids

Monday, May 9 - Governor proclamation signing at Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines


Have a great weekend!

What would be your reason for doing foster care?

Brandy's "I Did It" reason

National Foster Care Month starts next week! We've got lots of stuff planned, including a May 9 proclamation signing with Iowa's Governor, and we're also looking forward to sharing with you video interviews with Iowa resource families and teens during May. Here's some more events and resources if you're interested.

A few weeks ago we put out a call to Iowa's foster families to share with us their "I Did It" reasons - or in other words, the reason why they chose to step into the important role of resource family. We'll be sharing these again during May in hopes that other Iowans would also consider becoming a foster or adoptive family.

Here's a few of the ones we heard from Iowa families:

• "We did it because we can!"
• "Because every person is a child of God."
• We did it because we couldn't have kids of our own but can't wait to parent!"
• "I did it because I enjoy kids and hope I can make a difference in someone's life."
• "Because the need is there, and it's very important to us."
• "Because we want to share our love."
• "Because we believe every child deserves to be in a safe, nurturing environment."
• "I just want to give back to tomorrow's leaders."

If you're a foster parent, why did you choose to become one? Or, why do you feel it's important to support youth in foster care? We'd love to hear.

Coffee break with Becky

Today it's time to meet another support and licensing specialist - Becky from our Western side of the state! Becky graciously shared a few insights about what she loves about working in the child welfare field, as well as some things you might consider if you're interested in making an impact as a resource family.

Photo via Flickr - Phil Monger

Hi Becky! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role with Iowa families?

I've worked in many areas in the social service field, including waiver homes, after school programs, in-home services, a domestic violence shelter, and my favorite - working with children in foster care and foster parents. I am a foster and adoptive home licensing and support specialist, covering families in about nine counties in Western Iowa.

I aid families in renewing their license, help them find training opportunities, support them through difficult situation with a placement or personal matter and am their sounding board for questions and concerns.

What do you enjoy about this role?

I enjoy seeing children in foster homes succeed in all aspects of their life. I love to see the difference that foster homes give children through consistency and making children feel a part of their immediate family, as well as the connections foster families have with biological families and their willingness to maintain that connection and bond.

The joy on a foster parent's face when they have assisted in successfully reuniting children with their biological families is priceless. I also enjoy hearing foster parents talk about the progress children in their home have made and the positive feeling this gives the foster families who work so hard.

As a support specialist, what's one essential tip or resource you often recommend to families?

One essential tip is to use the resources surrounding you, whether this includes therapy services, in-home services, support groups, other foster families or respite care. I like to point out to foster families that everyone deserves a break and using respite gives themselves as well as the children they care for a break.

Name three qualities that help a foster family be successful.

Patience, consistency and being willing to try new techniques and skills in parenting.

Can you share a favorite story from your years in the field?

I've seen many families grow through adoption, long term foster care or just by being a support to biological families even after reunification. Many parents meet lifelong friends and maintain relationships with past placements throughout their adult life.  

Any words of advice for those considering becoming foster parents?

Foster parenting is very rewarding. There are a lot of support systems available, and it's essential you use all those resources. It's important to understand your own family dynamics and make decisions that your entire family can handle and fit your strengths.

Thanks Becky! Iowa is lucky to have a strong support network for foster and adoptive families. What kind of support is most helpful in your life, whether as a foster/adoptive parent or just in dealing with everyday ups and downs?