Why Foster Parents Are Needed Now More Than Ever
The COVID-19 pandemic has applied greater pressure to numerous facets of daily life in America. It should come as no surprise that the same is true for children in need of foster care. In Washington State, recent hardships have led to a 23% increase in hotel room and foster office stays for children faced with a drought of placement options since the pandemic began due to concerns about the virus.
Fostering produces tangible benefits and meaningful rewards for children, parents, and their families, but it’s not without real-world obstacles.
Acknowledging The Challenges
Foster parents have valid concerns about opening their homes for care during uncertain times. Nathan LaChine is a foster parent, and the founder of Evergreen Caregiver Support, with professional experience in foster parent advocacy, training, and recruitment. He states, “The biggest issue has been isolation and being disconnected from community and community resources. Everything is now remote. Most foster parents have full-time jobs and find it hard to juggle work, fostering, and educating kids at home.”
A heightened sense of caution also includes lack of support, loss of connection, and concerns about spreading the virus.
Solutions For Difficult Times
While it may feel daunting to embark on fostering in-need children at a time like this, resources and support are available to bolster the efforts of willing foster parents.
Assistance varies by geographical area, so be sure to ask your school district and foster agency about options and availability. Following are a list of examples of supports that have been provided to foster children and families.
Food And Clothing Support:
School-provided bagged meals
Reach out to your agency for resources available in your community
Remote Schooling Support:
In-person schooling and tutoring for students with Individualized Education Plans
Access to laptops and other school-related needs
The Washington K-12 Internet Access Program provides in-need students with home internet access at no-cost to families.
Food And Clothing Support:
School-provided bagged meals
Reaching out to your agency for resources available in your community
Creating Meaning When It Matters Most
Foster parents can continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment, even in unprecedented times, thanks to their determination and the support of resources and partners.
Now is a great time to take the step forward in the licensing process, even if questions remain. The process can take time, and interested families are to reevaluate their comfort level closer to placement date.
With the stakes this high and needs more apparent than ever, investing in a foster child’s life will prove to be exponentially rewarding for adults and children alike.
