Adoptions and Foster Care Tip Sheet |
By Sheryl Brissett-Chapman, Ed.D., MSW, ACSW |
Here is a general list of characteristics of successful foster parents and some of the duties they can expect to perform.
- I enjoy helping children grow positively!
- I am a caring, mature person who gets satisfaction from helping others.
- I have the time and energy to devote to working through behavioral problems with children.
- I want to contribute to the life of a child or young person with special needs.
- I enjoy teamwork and working with other people.
- I am naturally optimistic and successful at embracing the many challenges of life.
- I want the opportunity to grow personally and professionally through pre-service and in-service training programs.
- Provide family atmosphere in which physical and emotional needs are met.Provide a temporary clean, safe, and nurturing environment.
- Ensure all necessary health care (including dental) as specified by his/her pediatrician.
- Assist the therapist and other team members in the development of treatment plans by attending treatment team meetings.
- Monitor and coordinate with school systems regarding attendance and progress, and attend parental conferences and activities.
- Assume primary responsibility for implementing the in-home treatment strategies specified in the treatment plan.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with service providers in the community such as schools, department of recreation, social service agencies, and mental health programs and professionals.
- Advocate on behalf of the child/youth to achieve treatment plan, to obtain education, vocational, medical, and other services needed to implement the plan.
- Assist the child/youth in maintaining contact with his/her biological family and aid in visitation when indicated in the treatment plan.
- Continually upgrades skills and knowledge through reading, workshops, and at least 30 hours of in-service training each year.
- Partner with team members in helping youth achieve permanency.
- Inform the caseworker of any problems.
- Assist with identifying and integrating interested families into treatment foster care.
- Through phone calls and letters, advocate for the treatment foster care program with regards to pending legislation.
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Sheryl Brissett-Chapman, Ed.D., ACSW, assumed leadership in 1991 of the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), a private, nonprofit child and family welfare agency serving families in the national capital area. Under her leadership, NCCF was named “Outstanding Agency of 2002” by the Consortium for Child Welfare. Dr. Brissett-Chapman earned a B.A. degree from Brown University and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She earned a Masters of Education, Administration, Planning and Social Policy and a Doctorate in Education from Harvard University. A biological and adoptive parent of five children, Dr. Brissett-Chapman resides in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. |