Part 3 of 3: Supporting the Foster Provider
Being a Foster Provider requires a well-rounded skill set. Like Services Coordinators, Foster Providers support the whole team, not just the youth. This can include the family, the Services Coordinator, other supporters on the ISP team (including medical, mental health, and educational providers) and in some cases, Child Welfare.
The first article in this series was dedicated to helping youth navigate life in foster care. The second article in the series illustrated how important it is for families and youth to receive consistent and person-centered support when exploring the option of foster care. The last article in the series is focused on Services Coordinators can develop trusting relationships with Foster Providers and help them maintain a wide variety of skills.
Be Resourceful
Ensure the Foster Provider knows what their role is in the youth’s life, as well as the role of other on the team, including your role as the Services Coordinator. These conversations are best held in person (if possible) to connect about the importance of supporting a youth physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The donut sort is one possible tool for facilitating and recording this conversation. In addition, bring information about:
- Oregon Administrative Rules for Foster Care
- Local community resources (Fun/free activities, medical/mental health resources, etc.)
- Monitoring schedules that your CDDP may have (Behavioral, medical, financial, ISP)
- Blank copies of ISP documents for review
- Your information and the best time to get a hold of you
- The Foster Care Certifier’s information
The more knowledge a Foster Provider has, the more they will be prepared and ready to help the youth navigate through life during a potentially stressful time. The Foster Provider may have complex questions for you, especially if they are new to providing care and working with IDD Services. When I was a Services Coordinator, I often received many different questions and concerns, including insurance coverage for medical equipment, funding for Foster Care homes, and individualized questions about the youth they are supporting.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or not ready to answer difficult questions, think about bringing another Services Coordinator with you when you visit to help facilitate these conversations. This can also be a great opportunity to speak with your supervisor about training opportunities or continuing education for the Foster Provider or yourself.
Remember, you do not need to have the answer to every question. If you are not sure what the answer is, it is okay to say that you don’t know. If you say you will follow up with more information, make sure to do so. Be clear when communicating what the Foster Provider can expect from you, including how long it may take to hear back.
Training and Continuing Education
Foster Care training is an important part of the process of becoming a Foster Care Provider. Each Foster Provider has a unique set of skills and life experiences which can enable them to understand and support a youth in their home. It is important to build upon these skills and experiences regularly.
Foster Providers should be equipped with the tools they need to address any complex situations that may arise. Training also providers the Foster Provider opportunities to help the youth grow and develop new skills.
Since Foster Providers may not be aware of local trainings or continuing education opportunities, provide them with resources regularly. Here are some resources within Oregon that may be helpful:
- The Arc Oregon/OTAC Training
- Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Foster Provider Trainings
- Live online trainings for Foster Providers and Adoptive Parents. Training sessions range between 1-3 hours long and are hosted on Zoom.
- Foster Club Training
- FosterClub is a national network for young people in foster care. It provides young people in foster care an opportunity to connect and gain support from their peers. The non-profit organization also provides online training and resources for resource parents.
- Child Trauma Academy
- CTA works to improve the lives of high-risk children through direct service, research, and education.
- Trauma Informed Oregon
- Trauma Informed Oregon is a wealth of information about trauma informed supports, practices, and resources from across the state. It includes free online training modules introducing Trauma Informed Care.
- Foster Parent Lending Library
- The Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC) has a wonderful online Lending Library that is free to be used by Oregon Resource Parents, Relative Resource Parents, and Pre-Adoptive, Guardianship and Adoptive Parents.
- Foster Parent College
- Interactive multimedia training courses for foster providers and adoptive parents.
Build Positive Relationships
The relationship between the Services Coordinator and the Foster Provider is very important and can directly impact everyone in the youth’s life. However, building a strong professional relationship takes time and effort. We have the opportunity to regularly build and strengthen our connection with Foster Providers by:
- Providing clear expectations and consistent follow through
- Keeping your commitments
- Asking questions and listening
- Providing resources regularly
- Offering assistance
- Checking in frequently, using their preferred method of communication
- Recognizing the work that they do and sharing appreciation for it
Conclusion:
Foster Providers have the ability to offer a loving and nurturing home where each child can feel safe and celebrated for their unique gifts. As Services Coordinators, we have the responsibility of actively supporting both prospective and current Foster Providers. By doing this, we can make a difference in a youth’s life and work towards increasing their quality of life.