Vol. 5, No. 2 • May 2001

Ways to support foster parents around visitation

  • Make the importance of foster parents' role in visits clear by keeping them abreast of any changes and having an ongoing discussion about visiting

  • Facilitate pre-placement visits between the foster child and family whenever possible

  • Tell foster families what kinds of behaviors they can realistically expect to see on the part of birth parents and children before, during, and after a visit

  • Involve foster parents in meetings with the biological family and providers

  • Ensure foster families receive ongoing education, particularly about the reasons for and effects of visitation

  • Facilitate peer support by connecting foster families to each other, particularly through local and state foster parent associations

  • Discuss with foster families how they will handle any visit-related problems, and make sure they know you are open and available to discuss any issues or concerns they have

  • Avoid overcomplicating visitation for foster families by placing too many children from different families or too many special needs children in one home

  • Involve foster families in the planning of the visit schedule; always keep the family's schedule and needs in mind when planning visit times and locations

  • Encourage and appreciate foster parents for their efforts to support visitation and to work with birth parents

 

Copyright 2001 Jordan Institute for Families