As the summer season ends, the school year kicks off with both excitement and challenges. For children in foster care, going back-to-school can be an overwhelming time. According to Oklahoma Human Services, there are there are 5,895 youth in foster care in Oklahoma alone. As a community it is important to raise awareness about the challenges foster children face and provide support to help them succeed.
TFI Family Connections (TFI) offers advice on how parents and guardians in local communities can offer support by talking to children about foster care, with understanding and compassion:
- Find out what they know: Begin by figuring out what they already understand—or don’t—about foster care.
- Help them understand: Let them know that foster children are with adults who take care of them while their parents work on making positive changes.
- Practice sensitivity: While children may have lots of questions, remind them that their friends will share their story if and when they feel ready.
- Prioritize emotions: Create a safe space where they can express their thoughts or worries. If needed, seek advice from a professional.
- Help them support others: If your child is eager to support a friend in foster care, talk with the friend’s caregivers to see how they can contribute appropriately.
- Leave room for questions: Don’t feel like you need to cover everything about the topic all at once. Allow plenty of space for your child to ask questions over time.
By working together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed academically and emotionally during the school year and beyond. Together, we can make a positive difference in their lives and help them thrive.
If you’re interested in fostering or want to learn more visit, How To Become A Foster Parent – TFI
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