Parenting kids with trauma history isn’t always easy. Here are some tips to empower foster parents on their journey to guide future generations to come.
Results for: Foster Parent
Jade’s Story- A Glimpse into Foster Care in America
Learn about Jade’s foster care story and the struggles that so many kids in our system face.
Children in Montana Foster Care Reach Record Numbers
With nearly 4,000 kids in foster care in Montana, the time is now to get involved. Learn more about how you can help a child in need!
The Reality of Foster Care in Montana
Every child deserves a loving home. You can make a difference, become a foster parent.
It Almost Broke Me. Confessions of a Foster Care Worker
At any given time, roughly 3,000 kids will be in our state’s foster care system. A number that at one point had increased over 80% since I started my career in children’s services a little over seven years ago.
Faces of Mental Health- “I’ve been in the system for almost eight years.”
This is the fifth segment in our series, Faces of Mental Health, which gives people an intimate look inside of children’s services. To see our latest story, check us out on Facebook at Youth Dynamics of Montana or People of Youth Dynamics every Tuesday and Thursday...
Foster Families Needed
Valley Journal - by Mary Auld- 9/12/2018 In many ways, Joel McClanahan of Lolo is a typical proud parent. “We have an amazing kid,” he said as he introduced himself. While this affection is characteristic of many families, the situation by which McClanahan’s family...
3,921 reasons to talk about foster care in Montana
There are currently 3,921 children in the Montana foster care system. Sadly, there are only 396 licensed foster homes in the state. Over the last 10 years in Montana the number of kids in foster care has doubled, shocking a system that was unprepared to...
For teens in foster care, adoption is a lifeline
Washington Post - By Susan Punnett & Erica Rosenberg “I’ll take anyone,” said Davion Only, a 15-year-old boy who had been in foster care his whole life, before a Florida congregation in October. “Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don’t care.”...
Youth Dynamics seeks local homes
The Whitehall Ledger - By Jack H. Smith With a steady rise in the number of Montana youth in foster care, the need for foster homes has grown exponentially. Youth Dynamics, a Montana based non-profit children's agency, is hoping to find more foster homes in the...
Montana foster kids face challenges as they age out
By GAIL SCHONTZLER , Bozeman Daily Chronicle BOZEMAN (AP) — Her name is Heaven, but much of her childhood sounds like hell. Heaven Reel was placed in foster care at age 16, after state social workers found evidence of neglect or abuse in her home. "We were always...
Meth’s impact on Montana’s foster care system
Reprint of story by KTVH HELENA – Brenda and Jason Crawford are one of Montana’s many adoptive and foster parents; in 2014 baby Kailer entered their life. Kailer was born with significant amounts of heroin in his body. “When Kailer was born, within a few hours he...
Preparation is key when welcoming a foster child into your home
Expert Beacon - June 25, 2018 The arrival of a foster child in your house can be a time of excitement, as well as anxiety. The phone call from a caseworker asking if you would like a foster child placed in your home can leave you in a state of apprehension. It is...
How to Explain a Move to a Child in Foster Care
Live About- Carrie Craft There are many aspects of fostering that are extremely difficult to emotionally handle as a foster parent. Helping a child in foster care adjust to a new placement, explaining to a foster child that you are not an adoptive resource,...
Should You Take a Foster Child with You on Family Vacation?
Live About - April 4, 2017 By Carrie Craft Whether or not foster parents should take their foster children with them on a family vacation can be a hot topic. Some foster families feel very strongly about taking foster children, stating that the kids are a part of the...
When this man told his foster care story, people listened — 39 million people.
Over 39 million people have now watched Rob Scheer's story of his journey from foster care to foster parent. Rob struggled to find a place where he felt wanted and loved as a child. Now Rob wants to make sure that no child has to suffer the way that he did. Rob’s...
Here’s a story about what foster care is like for an abused child removed from her home.
UpWorthy- March 31, 2014 Trigger warning. 400,000 children are in foster care in the U.S., and kids who find themselves in the system come from difficult backgrounds. This film was made to bring awareness to what some kids experience and to help adults understand life...
The Foster Care Crisis: The Shortage Of Foster Parents In America
Huffington Post - April 11, 2018 by Dr. John DeGarmo Children abused. Children neglected. Children abandoned. Children being placed into foster care; a foster care system where there are not enough homes. The media and news continue to report on the shortage of foster...
Rescuing Julia Twice: Overcoming Reactive Attachment Disorder
Everyday Health - April 29, 2014 by Tina Traster Our pediatrician, Dr. T, couldn't have been more pleased with Julia's progress. At 18 months, my baby was in the 95th percentile for her weight. She was talking, walking, her muscle tone was excellent. All good signs...
9 things to know about kids in foster care. Plus an unforgettable view into their lives.
Upworthy - July 17, 2015 by Brandon Weber Zoe's story, "Removed," has been seen by millions of people. It was previously shared by my amazing Upworthy colleague Laura Willard. We got just a tiny taste of what it was like for kids in foster care, right after being...
Bare Necessities: Basic Baby Needs
The Spruce - October 23, 2017 by Heather Corely What does a baby really need in the first weeks at home? The answer is - not much. This basic baby needs checklist will help you choose those baby essentials, often called the layette, that your little one needs to have...
Five Minute Parent Child Bonding Activities
Ideas to Help Promote Bonding Through Activities The Spruce - April 4, 2017 by Carrie Craft These activities are not for every foster or adoptive parent or every foster or adoptive child. Only do what is comfortable for you and your foster/adopted child. Keep in mind:...
What to Teach Your Child to Prepare Them for a Foster or Adopted Sibling
The Spruce - September 15, 2017 by Carrie Craft So, you have decided to add to your family through foster care or adoption, and now you're probably wondering how best to prepare your children for the new addition. There are several things to keep in mind as you...
Why Do Foster Care Disruptions Occur?
Foster Children Endure Multiple Placements Due to Disruptions The Spruce - April 4, 2017 by Carrie Craft It's not something we like to think about as foster parents, but sometimes a placement just doesn’t work out. There are various reasons why foster care placements...
When Foster Families Meet Birth Families
The Spruce - April 4, 2017 by Michael Robison Your foster child has moved in, is settled into his room, and learning your home rules. Now comes the time that many foster parents worry the most about - meeting the child's birth parents. For the sake of all concerned,...
Setting up a Bedroom for Foster Care
No Bohns About It - February 4, 2016 When a person decides to become a foster parent, they often wonder the best way of setting up a bedroom for foster care. Waiting for the call is tough, and shopping and painting and all the decorating can be a fun way to pass the...
Establishing Yourself as a Parent
The Spruce - April 4, 2017 by Carrie Craft Your Role as Mom or Dad So, you've gone from an empty house to a full one. Now what? When it comes to foster and or adopting a child, especially an older child - setting roles, rules, and boundaries can be tough. This is...
Mothers Come in Different Forms
Huffpost - May 7, 2017 by Mary Lee There are more than 400,000 foster children in state custody right now. Every year, more than 20,000 age out without being reunited with their biological family or finding a new one through adoption. Every day, another child is taken...
Meeting Your New Foster Child
The first day... The Spruce - October 31, 2017 by Carrie Craft When a foster child is first placed in your home a lot of fear and stress comes through the front door along with the child, for both of you. The child is fearing the absolute worst about you and his/her...