Mosaic Advocacy | Support and Mentor Services

top of page

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE THIS SITE IMMEDIATELY.

Happy Family

25% of children were reunified with their bio families after exiting Texas foster care.

47% of children lived in Texas foster care for 1-2 years prior to reunification.

Reported as averages from TX DFPS for 2017- 2021. https://cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/cwodatasite/pdf/texas.html

Come see us at The Texas Child Care Administrators Conference!
Restoring Stability: Supporting Parents in Crisis
Tuesday, Aug 27th @ 3pm
Buy tickets here

We provide free support and mentor services for parents working through their services plan with Child Protective Services in Travis and Williamson counties in Texas.

We want to restore families, by empowering parents
and helping them find the tools they need to
parent their children safely.

“I did it for my kids until I was strong enough to do it for myself.

They need me and always will."

Reunified Mom in Florida

This number is the number of children who return home after entering foster care.

Foster care is meant to be a temporary solution to a family’s season of crisis. The goal is always safe reunification, but how many children are actually returning home?

#reunification #texasfostercare #familypreservation #supportnotseparate #restorefamilies #changethenumbers #biofamily #fostercare #familiesincrisis #formerfosteryouth #strengthenfamilies #breakthecycles #wecandobetter

This number is the number of children who return home after entering foster care.

Foster care is meant to be a temporary solution to a family’s season of crisis. The goal is always safe reunification, but how many children are actually returning home?

#reunification #texasfostercare #familypreservation #supportnotseparate #restorefamilies #changethenumbers #biofamily #fostercare #familiesincrisis #formerfosteryouth #strengthenfamilies #breakthecycles #wecandobetter

There are numerous organizations in each state that work to provide support, respite, school supplies, other tangible goods and even direct funds to foster families.

Every state has post adoption support.

Foster parents even have an agency after they get licensed who helps them advocate, escalate issues and get answers.

What do the bio parents of these children have? Many of them don’t even have safe/healthy family members who will support them through the case, let alone an organization/agency who will wraparound them.

Support IS needed for the families who care for these kiddos in their families’ time of crisis. But as foster parents, we choose this work. We choose to put the work in before hand to educate ourselves, become trauma informed and reunification literate and foster the FAMILY.

Many of the parents of the children who come through our homes didn’t have a choice to be raised in the environments they grew up in and breaking cycles can be impossible work.

⭐️How do find support for parents who are system involved?
⭐️How do we wraparound families after reunification so they can stay healthy?
⭐️How do we help build villages around families in crisis so they can be together?

#reunification #familypreservation #supportnotseparate #fostercareistrauma #formerfosteryouth #traumaisgenerational #cycleofabuse #biofamily #changethenarrative #texasfostercare #breakcycles #strengthenfamilies #wecandobetter #loveisnotenough #familiesincrisis #survivor #fosterthefamily #support #fostercareishard

There are numerous organizations in each state that work to provide support, respite, school supplies, other tangible goods and even direct funds to foster families.

Every state has post adoption support.

Foster parents even have an agency after they get licensed who helps them advocate, escalate issues and get answers.

What do the bio parents of these children have? Many of them don’t even have safe/healthy family members who will support them through the case, let alone an organization/agency who will wraparound them.

Support IS needed for the families who care for these kiddos in their families’ time of crisis. But as foster parents, we choose this work. We choose to put the work in before hand to educate ourselves, become trauma informed and reunification literate and foster the FAMILY.

Many of the parents of the children who come through our homes didn’t have a choice to be raised in the environments they grew up in and breaking cycles can be impossible work.

⭐️How do find support for parents who are system involved?
⭐️How do we wraparound families after reunification so they can stay healthy?
⭐️How do we help build villages around families in crisis so they can be together?

#reunification #familypreservation #supportnotseparate #fostercareistrauma #formerfosteryouth #traumaisgenerational #cycleofabuse #biofamily #changethenarrative #texasfostercare #breakcycles #strengthenfamilies #wecandobetter #loveisnotenough #familiesincrisis #survivor #fosterthefamily #support #fostercareishard

There is such a large, false narrative around foster care. And it’s understandable that many of us get our education from society and the media. But it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves about the truth.

🧡Do the research
🧡Listen to former foster youth and adoptee voices
🧡Encourage others to educate themselves

#fostercareistrauma #supportnotseparate #iwaswrong #adoptionisloss #protectkidsrestorefamilies #familypreservation #familiesincrisis #trauma #strengthenfamilies #reunification #biofamily #loveisnotenough #adoption #parentingishard #adopteevoices

There is such a large, false narrative around foster care. And it’s understandable that many of us get our education from society and the media. But it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves about the truth.

🧡Do the research
🧡Listen to former foster youth and adoptee voices
🧡Encourage others to educate themselves

#fostercareistrauma #supportnotseparate #iwaswrong #adoptionisloss #protectkidsrestorefamilies #familypreservation #familiesincrisis #trauma #strengthenfamilies #reunification #biofamily #loveisnotenough #adoption #parentingishard #adopteevoices

How do we change the narrative that society blindly subscribes to?

❌That adoption is a selfless, saving act of love.
❌That adults who struggle with infertility are entitled to being parents at any cost.
❌That severing families should be “affordable”.

#supportnotseparate #biofamily #adoptionisloss #trauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter #familypreservation #adopteevoicesmatter #familiesincrisis #basicneeds #strengthenfamilies

How do we change the narrative that society blindly subscribes to?

❌That adoption is a selfless, saving act of love.
❌That adults who struggle with infertility are entitled to being parents at any cost.
❌That severing families should be “affordable”.

#supportnotseparate #biofamily #adoptionisloss #trauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter #familypreservation #adopteevoicesmatter #familiesincrisis #basicneeds #strengthenfamilies

So many of our parents want to be safe and healthy parents for their children. They love their children and WANT to choose them.

The barriers to reunification for families in crisis are so great and their support is minimal.

Barriers to parents reunifying their families are typically their childhood experiences.
🔹Early introduction to substances
🔹Survival of child abu$e
🔹No safe/healthy parenting examples
🔹Experience with the judicial or foster care system
🔹Mental health challenges
🔹Poverty

Criminalizing parents for the trauma they’ve endured as children, is not the answer.

You can’t be something you’ve never seen.

#familypreservation #supportnotseparate #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #breakingcycles #reunification #protectkidsrestorefamilies #trauma #healing #familiesincrisis #strengthenfamilies #wecandobetter #bethevillage #recovery #survivors #support #listenmore #fosterthefamily

So many of our parents want to be safe and healthy parents for their children. They love their children and WANT to choose them.

The barriers to reunification for families in crisis are so great and their support is minimal.

Barriers to parents reunifying their families are typically their childhood experiences.
🔹Early introduction to substances
🔹Survival of child abu$e
🔹No safe/healthy parenting examples
🔹Experience with the judicial or foster care system
🔹Mental health challenges
🔹Poverty

Criminalizing parents for the trauma they’ve endured as children, is not the answer.

You can’t be something you’ve never seen.

#familypreservation #supportnotseparate #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #breakingcycles #reunification #protectkidsrestorefamilies #trauma #healing #familiesincrisis #strengthenfamilies #wecandobetter #bethevillage #recovery #survivors #support #listenmore #fosterthefamily

Blanket statements like this about adoption are harmful.

To those who have worked through their trauma and had a great adoption experience: we’re happy for you. We are so glad that you have peace and healing.

These “happy adoptions” aren’t the issue. We need to shed light on the dangers of adoptions. Adoptions that
🛑Erase a child’s culture
🛑Further traumatize children through abuse/neglect
🛑Relinquish children for a “second chance” adoption
🛑Ignore the statistics
🛑Sever connections to biological/genetic mirrors

Adoption can be an awful, terrible thing. It can take lives, further abuse/neglect and cause harm to the children who have no control over it happening.

These are the children who need more advocacy and protection. These are the adoptions we need to educate about.

Adoption does not guarantee safety and love or even permanency.

#adoptionistrauma #supportnotseparate #familypreservation #adopteevoicesmatter #formerfosteryouth #familiesincrisis #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #wecandobetter #adoption

Blanket statements like this about adoption are harmful.

To those who have worked through their trauma and had a great adoption experience: we’re happy for you. We are so glad that you have peace and healing.

These “happy adoptions” aren’t the issue. We need to shed light on the dangers of adoptions. Adoptions that
🛑Erase a child’s culture
🛑Further traumatize children through abuse/neglect
🛑Relinquish children for a “second chance” adoption
🛑Ignore the statistics
🛑Sever connections to biological/genetic mirrors

Adoption can be an awful, terrible thing. It can take lives, further abuse/neglect and cause harm to the children who have no control over it happening.

These are the children who need more advocacy and protection. These are the adoptions we need to educate about.

Adoption does not guarantee safety and love or even permanency.

#adoptionistrauma #supportnotseparate #familypreservation #adopteevoicesmatter #formerfosteryouth #familiesincrisis #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #wecandobetter #adoption

We feel that the most important things for prospective foster parents to know are:
📌Safe reunification is the goal
📌Educate yourself and get trauma informed
📌Build a village (friends/family) who understand the above points and will support your family and the child’s family
📌SAFE REUNIFICATION IS THE GOAL

Education will be your best friend. The more you can listen to FFY/adoptee/bio parent stories, the better prepared you’ll be.

Work to dismantle your fear around children with heavy traumas who have “bad behaviors” and around bio parents who have made mistakes.

Work to understand how trauma affects children AND ADULTS. This will help you understand and respond to actions.

#traumaisgenerational #thisisfostercare #familypreservation #reunification #biofamily #trauma #parenting #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoices #protectkidsrestorefamilies #supportnotseparate #bethevillage #texasfostercare

We feel that the most important things for prospective foster parents to know are:
📌Safe reunification is the goal
📌Educate yourself and get trauma informed
📌Build a village (friends/family) who understand the above points and will support your family and the child’s family
📌SAFE REUNIFICATION IS THE GOAL

Education will be your best friend. The more you can listen to FFY/adoptee/bio parent stories, the better prepared you’ll be.

Work to dismantle your fear around children with heavy traumas who have “bad behaviors” and around bio parents who have made mistakes.

Work to understand how trauma affects children AND ADULTS. This will help you understand and respond to actions.

#traumaisgenerational #thisisfostercare #familypreservation #reunification #biofamily #trauma #parenting #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoices #protectkidsrestorefamilies #supportnotseparate #bethevillage #texasfostercare

#supportnotseparate #allrise #recovery #thisisfostercare #familypreservation #traumaisgenerational #changethenarrative #biofamily #reunification #trauma #healing #strengthenfamilies #caroleclark #parentingishard #familiesincrisis #adoptionisnottheanswer #wecandobetter #bethevillage #protectkidsrestorefamilies #breakingcycles #drugcourt #tylertx

#supportnotseparate #allrise #recovery #thisisfostercare #familypreservation #traumaisgenerational #changethenarrative #biofamily #reunification #trauma #healing #strengthenfamilies #caroleclark #parentingishard #familiesincrisis #adoptionisnottheanswer #wecandobetter #bethevillage #protectkidsrestorefamilies #breakingcycles #drugcourt #tylertx

This person’s comment received so many likes. Many more than mine.

How did we get to a space where the majority of people believe children don’t deserve to be safe with their biological family?

How did we get to a space where we work to break apart families?

How did we get to a space where we are so defensive instead of listening and educating ourselves to actually care for our most vulnerable populations?

#makeitmakesense #reunification #familypreservation #thisisfostercare #supportnotseparate #fostercare #adoptionisloss #fostercareistrauma #youdontgetit #strengthenfamilies #changethenarrative #fosterthefamily #adoptionisnottheanswer #wecandobetter #listenmore #educateyourself

This person’s comment received so many likes. Many more than mine.

How did we get to a space where the majority of people believe children don’t deserve to be safe with their biological family?

How did we get to a space where we work to break apart families?

How did we get to a space where we are so defensive instead of listening and educating ourselves to actually care for our most vulnerable populations?

#makeitmakesense #reunification #familypreservation #thisisfostercare #supportnotseparate #fostercare #adoptionisloss #fostercareistrauma #youdontgetit #strengthenfamilies #changethenarrative #fosterthefamily #adoptionisnottheanswer #wecandobetter #listenmore #educateyourself

Why does society lead with this?

The poster didn’t say anything about sending children to unsafe homes. They didn’t say anything about prioritizing parents at the cost of their children.
No one ever says that.

‼️We know not all homes are safe to return to. We know we need to prioritize the children’s safety and health.‼️

I think that the reason we struggle with this concept is because we get in our feelings.

Foster parents love the children in their care and THEY SHOULD! They get attached to the children and THEY SHOULD! But we also need to love and get attached TO THEIR PARENTS.

I know. Parents don’t show up to court, they don’t complete services, they miss visits, they chose a violent partner or substances over their children.

Foster parents, have you asked yourself why?

It’s not fair to the children, but how do we change the circumstances without the answer being adoption?

Many of these parents carry immense traumas and heavy childhoods. They are doing the best they can with the tools life has given them. Many of them have never seen safe parenting. We can’t expect them to heal overnight and become safe parents with no support, education or compassion.

We come from a place of judgement, even when we don’t intend to, because we were shown how to be safe parents. We were given better tools in life.

You can’t be something you’ve never seen.

#wecandobetter #familypreservation #adoptionisnottheanswer #reunification #trauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercareistrauma #strengthenfamilies #parentingishard #texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #adoptionistrauma #changethenarrative #biofamily #fostercareisnoteasy #getattached #fosterthefamily #bethevillage #supportnotseparate #fostercare

Why does society lead with this?

The poster didn’t say anything about sending children to unsafe homes. They didn’t say anything about prioritizing parents at the cost of their children.
No one ever says that.

‼️We know not all homes are safe to return to. We know we need to prioritize the children’s safety and health.‼️

I think that the reason we struggle with this concept is because we get in our feelings.

Foster parents love the children in their care and THEY SHOULD! They get attached to the children and THEY SHOULD! But we also need to love and get attached TO THEIR PARENTS.

I know. Parents don’t show up to court, they don’t complete services, they miss visits, they chose a violent partner or substances over their children.

Foster parents, have you asked yourself why?

It’s not fair to the children, but how do we change the circumstances without the answer being adoption?

Many of these parents carry immense traumas and heavy childhoods. They are doing the best they can with the tools life has given them. Many of them have never seen safe parenting. We can’t expect them to heal overnight and become safe parents with no support, education or compassion.

We come from a place of judgement, even when we don’t intend to, because we were shown how to be safe parents. We were given better tools in life.

You can’t be something you’ve never seen.

#wecandobetter #familypreservation #adoptionisnottheanswer #reunification #trauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercareistrauma #strengthenfamilies #parentingishard #texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #adoptionistrauma #changethenarrative #biofamily #fostercareisnoteasy #getattached #fosterthefamily #bethevillage #supportnotseparate #fostercare

As foster parents, part of our job in caring for these vulnerable children is to love them and their families.

These children need MORE healthy, safe love in their lives, not less. This means healthy, safe attachment.

In an ideal situation, the foster family stays in the bio family’s life after the children reunify. They continue to be a support to the family and a safe, healthy attached adult for the child.

#getattached #thisisfostercare #reunification #familypreservation #formerfosteryouth #wecandobetter #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercareisnoteasy #strengthenfamilies #supportnotseparate #familiesincrisis

As foster parents, part of our job in caring for these vulnerable children is to love them and their families.

These children need MORE healthy, safe love in their lives, not less. This means healthy, safe attachment.

In an ideal situation, the foster family stays in the bio family’s life after the children reunify. They continue to be a support to the family and a safe, healthy attached adult for the child.

#getattached #thisisfostercare #reunification #familypreservation #formerfosteryouth #wecandobetter #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercareisnoteasy #strengthenfamilies #supportnotseparate #familiesincrisis

Let’s also remember the family. We all want help these kiddos in foster care, but how do we find a way to also support their parents so the family as a whole is sustainable?

Children who leave foster care and return home STILL NEED SUPPORT!
🔼Become a dedicated babysitter for a reunified family
🔼Send holiday gifts to children once they return home

Keep in mind to support organizations who help the whole family. Not just foster youth and not just foster families. We want to put our energy into organizations who understand the importance of safe reunification and family preservation.

#thisisfostercare #familypreservation #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #reunification #supportnotseparate #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #bethevillage #fosterthefamily

Let’s also remember the family. We all want help these kiddos in foster care, but how do we find a way to also support their parents so the family as a whole is sustainable?

Children who leave foster care and return home STILL NEED SUPPORT!
🔼Become a dedicated babysitter for a reunified family
🔼Send holiday gifts to children once they return home

Keep in mind to support organizations who help the whole family. Not just foster youth and not just foster families. We want to put our energy into organizations who understand the importance of safe reunification and family preservation.

#thisisfostercare #familypreservation #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #reunification #supportnotseparate #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #bethevillage #fosterthefamily

#thisisfostercare #reunification #biofamily #familypreservation #trauma #fostercareisnoteasy #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercareistrauma #supportnotseparate #strengthenfamilies #formerfosteryouth #supportbiofamily #changethenarrative #wecandobetter #texasfostercare

#thisisfostercare #reunification #biofamily #familypreservation #trauma #fostercareisnoteasy #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercareistrauma #supportnotseparate #strengthenfamilies #formerfosteryouth #supportbiofamily #changethenarrative #wecandobetter #texasfostercare

We are removing children from families already in crisis.

These parents work so hard to create a safe space for their children to return home to.

These parents won’t pass a background check because of their CPS involvement. Many parents also have criminal histories. Some don’t have a high school diploma.

🔹Where can they find a traditional job with daytime hours so they can pick up kids after school?
🔹How do they find a job where they have benefits and don’t have to rely on social services/government assistance?
🔹How do they break the cycle of poverty when they can only find an entry level, minimum wage job?

Is our society built to keep people in their generational cycles?

#breakingcycles #trauma #familiesincrisis #traumaisgenerational #reunification #changethenarrative #communityresources #familypreservation #thisisfostercare

We are removing children from families already in crisis.

These parents work so hard to create a safe space for their children to return home to.

These parents won’t pass a background check because of their CPS involvement. Many parents also have criminal histories. Some don’t have a high school diploma.

🔹Where can they find a traditional job with daytime hours so they can pick up kids after school?
🔹How do they find a job where they have benefits and don’t have to rely on social services/government assistance?
🔹How do they break the cycle of poverty when they can only find an entry level, minimum wage job?

Is our society built to keep people in their generational cycles?

#breakingcycles #trauma #familiesincrisis #traumaisgenerational #reunification #changethenarrative #communityresources #familypreservation #thisisfostercare

Society thinks:
🖍️ Adoption guarantees love and permanence
🖍️ People who cannot naturally conceive are entitled to children
🖍️ Homelessness is a choice
🖍️ Mothers who live in poverty don’t deserve their own children

Society looks down on asking for money if you’re in crisis, but we accept, even welcome asking for money for adoption.

We even use the word “failed” when an adoption falls through. In private infant adoption, that means Mom wants to keep her child and parent them.
HOW is this failure???

To anyone who thinks there is a need for adoption:
🛑 There are 50-100 families waiting per infant available for adoption. So there is no “need to rescue” babies through private infant adoption.
🛑 Children are 4X more likely to lose their lives in nonbiological homes.
🛑 “Open adoption” is not legally binding and completely in the control of adoptive parents.

There is a need to change the narrative that society and the media creates for adoption.
There is a need for family preservation.
There is a need for education, resources and compassion for families in crisis.

#familypreservation #adoptionisloss #supportnotseparate #biofamily #strengthenfamilies #reunification #trauma #weneedtodobetter #familiesincrisis #changethenarrative #parentingishard #bethevillage

Society thinks:
🖍️ Adoption guarantees love and permanence
🖍️ People who cannot naturally conceive are entitled to children
🖍️ Homelessness is a choice
🖍️ Mothers who live in poverty don’t deserve their own children

Society looks down on asking for money if you’re in crisis, but we accept, even welcome asking for money for adoption.

We even use the word “failed” when an adoption falls through. In private infant adoption, that means Mom wants to keep her child and parent them.
HOW is this failure???

To anyone who thinks there is a need for adoption:
🛑 There are 50-100 families waiting per infant available for adoption. So there is no “need to rescue” babies through private infant adoption.
🛑 Children are 4X more likely to lose their lives in nonbiological homes.
🛑 “Open adoption” is not legally binding and completely in the control of adoptive parents.

There is a need to change the narrative that society and the media creates for adoption.
There is a need for family preservation.
There is a need for education, resources and compassion for families in crisis.

#familypreservation #adoptionisloss #supportnotseparate #biofamily #strengthenfamilies #reunification #trauma #weneedtodobetter #familiesincrisis #changethenarrative #parentingishard #bethevillage

The intent behind this statement was probably good, but we need to do better when we talk about foster care or adoption because there is so much misinformation out there.

Using words like this contributes to an incorrect narrative that foster care or adoption guarantees safety, permanence and love. And that this guarantee is more important than children keeping racial, cultural or genetic mirrors.
We need to do better.

#familypreservation #dobetter #supportnotseparate #biofamily #reunification #thisisfostercare #adoptionisloss #fostercareistrauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoices #strengthenfamilies #culturematters

The intent behind this statement was probably good, but we need to do better when we talk about foster care or adoption because there is so much misinformation out there.

Using words like this contributes to an incorrect narrative that foster care or adoption guarantees safety, permanence and love. And that this guarantee is more important than children keeping racial, cultural or genetic mirrors.
We need to do better.

#familypreservation #dobetter #supportnotseparate #biofamily #reunification #thisisfostercare #adoptionisloss #fostercareistrauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoices #strengthenfamilies #culturematters

There are many barriers keeping Mothers out of the workforce.

🟡Some jobs don’t bring in more money than what daycare costs.
🟠Many daycares won’t accept infants without diapers.
🟢CPS involvement on a background check keeps Moms from finding a traditional, full-time job with benefits.
🔵There aren’t many jobs available to Moms who have to stay home if children are sick or the school is closed.

#familypreservation #biofamily #supportnotseparate #strengthenfamilies #parentingishard #breakingcycles #trauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #supportbiofamily #communityresources

There are many barriers keeping Mothers out of the workforce.

🟡Some jobs don’t bring in more money than what daycare costs.
🟠Many daycares won’t accept infants without diapers.
🟢CPS involvement on a background check keeps Moms from finding a traditional, full-time job with benefits.
🔵There aren’t many jobs available to Moms who have to stay home if children are sick or the school is closed.

#familypreservation #biofamily #supportnotseparate #strengthenfamilies #parentingishard #breakingcycles #trauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #supportbiofamily #communityresources

As a society, we tend to look at families in crisis and villainize them.

We don’t rush to the teenager getting in fights or the parent who had their children removed and placed in foster care. We don’t rush to the pregnant Mom who doesn’t have stable housing.

Their trauma isn’t visible. But they are just as much in crisis as the person with the crutches. They need us to rush to help them just as much. Maybe more.

You can’t be something you’ve never seen.

#familiesincrisis #thisisfostercare #supportnotseparate #changethenarrative #traumaisgenerational #healing #familypreservation #strengthenfamilies #fostercare #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter #trauma #karynpurvis

As a society, we tend to look at families in crisis and villainize them.

We don’t rush to the teenager getting in fights or the parent who had their children removed and placed in foster care. We don’t rush to the pregnant Mom who doesn’t have stable housing.

Their trauma isn’t visible. But they are just as much in crisis as the person with the crutches. They need us to rush to help them just as much. Maybe more.

You can’t be something you’ve never seen.

#familiesincrisis #thisisfostercare #supportnotseparate #changethenarrative #traumaisgenerational #healing #familypreservation #strengthenfamilies #fostercare #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter #trauma #karynpurvis

They may just be words, but words are what we have to communicate.

It’s okay to not know. We listen, we learn and we do better.

Yes, adoption from foster care does happen.
Yes, there are biological homes that are unsafe for children to return to.
BUT why is this what we always hope for?

Lets normalize
🩷Bio parents getting healthy
🩵Bio parents working to change their futures
💚Children in foster care going back home because it’s safe
💜Foster parents creating co parenting relationships with bio parents
🧡Bio parents gaining support in the foster family instead of losing their children to adoption
💙Celebrating when bio parents put their children first

#familypreservation #reunification #thisisfostercare #adoptionistrauma #biofamily #changethenarrative #supportnotseparate #strengthenfamilies #fostercareistrauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercare #formerfosteryouth #fosteryouthvoices

They may just be words, but words are what we have to communicate.

It’s okay to not know. We listen, we learn and we do better.

Yes, adoption from foster care does happen.
Yes, there are biological homes that are unsafe for children to return to.
BUT why is this what we always hope for?

Lets normalize
🩷Bio parents getting healthy
🩵Bio parents working to change their futures
💚Children in foster care going back home because it’s safe
💜Foster parents creating co parenting relationships with bio parents
🧡Bio parents gaining support in the foster family instead of losing their children to adoption
💙Celebrating when bio parents put their children first

#familypreservation #reunification #thisisfostercare #adoptionistrauma #biofamily #changethenarrative #supportnotseparate #strengthenfamilies #fostercareistrauma #protectkidsrestorefamilies #fostercare #formerfosteryouth #fosteryouthvoices

Children in foster care can change homes for a number of reasons. Typically, the foster parents decide that the child needs to be moved.

This can happen when foster parents are not prepared to parent a child from trauma.

Each removal adds another layer of trauma for a child who can already be struggling with self identity and abandonment.

We need to do better with educating prospective foster and adoptive parents. So many believe they are ready with the state mandated training, but it’s not enough.

#texasfostercare #reunification #supportnotseparate #formerfosteryouth #familypreservation #strengthenfamilies #breakthecycle #trauma #fostercareistrauma #familiesincrisis #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter

Children in foster care can change homes for a number of reasons. Typically, the foster parents decide that the child needs to be moved.

This can happen when foster parents are not prepared to parent a child from trauma.

Each removal adds another layer of trauma for a child who can already be struggling with self identity and abandonment.

We need to do better with educating prospective foster and adoptive parents. So many believe they are ready with the state mandated training, but it’s not enough.

#texasfostercare #reunification #supportnotseparate #formerfosteryouth #familypreservation #strengthenfamilies #breakthecycle #trauma #fostercareistrauma #familiesincrisis #protectkidsrestorefamilies #wecandobetter

#thisisfostercare #adoptionisloss #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoices #trauma #strengthenfamilies #reunification #supportnotseparate #biofamily #familiesincrisis #listentolearn #familypreservation

#thisisfostercare #adoptionisloss #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoices #trauma #strengthenfamilies #reunification #supportnotseparate #biofamily #familiesincrisis #listentolearn #familypreservation

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @melody.adoptee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #fostercare #formerfosteryouth #trauma #adopteevoices #adopteestories

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @melody.adoptee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #fostercare #formerfosteryouth #trauma #adopteevoices #adopteestories

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adoptee_thoughts to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💜

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteesspeak #adopteestories #adopteevoices

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adoptee_thoughts to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💜

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteesspeak #adopteestories #adopteevoices

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @themillennialadoptea to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. ❤️

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteesspeak #adopteestories #adopteevoices

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @themillennialadoptea to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. ❤️

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteesspeak #adopteestories #adopteevoices

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adopted_connor to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩵

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteevoices #adoptioncommunity #adoptionstory #adoptionjourney

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adopted_connor to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩵

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteevoices #adoptioncommunity #adoptionstory #adoptionjourney

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adopteeoutofthefog to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptees #adopteevoices #adoptionliteracy #infantadoption

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adopteeoutofthefog to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptees #adopteevoices #adoptionliteracy #infantadoption

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adoption.and.me to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩷

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteevoices #adultadoptee #familypreservation #adopteemovement

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @adoption.and.me to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩷

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteevoices #adultadoptee #familypreservation #adopteemovement

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @the_sacrifice_of_adoption to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🧡

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #adoption #birthmomstrong #biofamily #adoptionreform

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @the_sacrifice_of_adoption to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🧡

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #adoption #birthmomstrong #biofamily #adoptionreform

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @drdanishakeating to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💙

#wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #kinshipcare #formerfosteryouth #fostercareawareness #fostercare #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #trauma

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @drdanishakeating to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💙

#wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #kinshipcare #formerfosteryouth #fostercareawareness #fostercare #biofamily #fostercareistrauma #trauma

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @evolvingadoptee & @adopteehealingcollective to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #familypreservation #adopteevoices #adoptionjourney #evolvingadoptee

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @evolvingadoptee & @adopteehealingcollective to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #familypreservation #adopteevoices #adoptionjourney #evolvingadoptee

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @itstinaa_mariee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩷

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #fostercare #adopteevoices #fostercarestories #formerfosteryouth

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @itstinaa_mariee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩷

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #fostercare #adopteevoices #fostercarestories #formerfosteryouth

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @opafire_adoptee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. ❤️

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionjourney #adultadoptee

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @opafire_adoptee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. ❤️

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionjourney #adultadoptee

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @myadopteevoice to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better.

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteestories #adultadoptees #adoptionreform #letslisten #adoptionjourney

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @myadopteevoice to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better.

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adopteestories #adultadoptees #adoptionreform #letslisten #adoptionjourney

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @undaughtered to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionisanadversechildhoodexperience #adopteerights #supportnotseparate

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @undaughtered to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionisanadversechildhoodexperience #adopteerights #supportnotseparate

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @first.birth.mom to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better.

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #birthmomstrong #biofamily #reunification

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @first.birth.mom to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better.

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #birthmomstrong #biofamily #reunification

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @theadoptedchameleon to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩷

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionawareness

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @theadoptedchameleon to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩷

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionawareness

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @mccloudlife to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩵

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #birthmomstrong #biofamily #reunification

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @mccloudlife to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 🩵

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #birthmomstrong #biofamily #reunification

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @theoutspokenadoptee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @theoutspokenadoptee to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💚

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptee

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @the_empress_han to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💜

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptees

If you are a current or prospective foster or adoptive parent or just want to learn more about this space:

Check out @the_empress_han to learn from someone with lived experience.

I encourage everyone to sit with any discomfort. Remember that there is difficulty in learning new things. We can’t do better, until we know better. 💜

#adoptionistrauma #wecandohardthings #changethenarrative #adopteevoicesmatter #adoptionisloss #strengthenfamilies #familiesincrisis #differentnotbetter #adoption #adultadoptees

Parenting a child from trauma requires so much more than love.

When we say that a child will be loved in their foster home, we need to also be asking:

🟢Have I done the research to become trauma informed?
🟠Am I prepared to parent a child of a different race or culture?
⚫️Is everyone in the house on board with what fostering someone else’s child means?
🟣Do I have a support system of people for when we are overwhelmed?
🔴Will I put the child’s best interests ahead of my feelings?
🔵Have I listened to former foster youth/adoptee stories?
🟡Will I prioritize supporting safe reunification for the child and their family?
🟤Am I prepared to speak out when uneducated comments come up?

Children in foster care can change homes for a number of reasons. Typically, the foster parents decide that the child needs to be removed due to behaviors/needs they weren’t prepared for.

Each removal adds another layer of trauma for a child who can be already carrying feelings of abandonment and struggling with self identity.

#changethenumbers #formerfosteryouth #texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #supportnotseparate #trauma #familypreservation #reunification #thisisfostercare #protectkidsrestorefamilies #biofamily #adoptionistrauma

Parenting a child from trauma requires so much more than love.

When we say that a child will be loved in their foster home, we need to also be asking:

🟢Have I done the research to become trauma informed?
🟠Am I prepared to parent a child of a different race or culture?
⚫️Is everyone in the house on board with what fostering someone else’s child means?
🟣Do I have a support system of people for when we are overwhelmed?
🔴Will I put the child’s best interests ahead of my feelings?
🔵Have I listened to former foster youth/adoptee stories?
🟡Will I prioritize supporting safe reunification for the child and their family?
🟤Am I prepared to speak out when uneducated comments come up?

Children in foster care can change homes for a number of reasons. Typically, the foster parents decide that the child needs to be removed due to behaviors/needs they weren’t prepared for.

Each removal adds another layer of trauma for a child who can be already carrying feelings of abandonment and struggling with self identity.

#changethenumbers #formerfosteryouth #texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #supportnotseparate #trauma #familypreservation #reunification #thisisfostercare #protectkidsrestorefamilies #biofamily #adoptionistrauma

These kinds of negative, degrading comments add to a narrative that parents already have to fight.

Many parents whose children have been removed, want to change their circumstances.

What can we say instead to show support for bio parents putting in the work to parent differently?

#texasfostercare #reunification #changethenarrative #familypreservation #wecandobetter #strengthenfamilies #supportnotseparate #differentnotbetter #biofamily #thisisfostercare

These kinds of negative, degrading comments add to a narrative that parents already have to fight.

Many parents whose children have been removed, want to change their circumstances.

What can we say instead to show support for bio parents putting in the work to parent differently?

#texasfostercare #reunification #changethenarrative #familypreservation #wecandobetter #strengthenfamilies #supportnotseparate #differentnotbetter #biofamily #thisisfostercare

Here are some ways to help bio parents involved with child welfare.

We believe that reunification rates and re-entry (into foster care) rates directly correlate with:

🔺Support
🔺Education
🔺Resources

Think about things we may take for granted in our everyday life that a parent involved with CPS may not have.

▪️Having grown up in a 2 parent home
▪️Safe family members nearby
▪️High school diploma
▪️Having a healthy partner to parent with

We can’t do better until we know better.

#texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #biofamily #familypreservation #supportnotseparate #reunification #fostertoreunify #fostercare #ittakesavillage #bethevillage #protectkidsrestorefamilies #strengthenfamilies #thisisfostercare #breakthecycle

Here are some ways to help bio parents involved with child welfare.

We believe that reunification rates and re-entry (into foster care) rates directly correlate with:

🔺Support
🔺Education
🔺Resources

Think about things we may take for granted in our everyday life that a parent involved with CPS may not have.

▪️Having grown up in a 2 parent home
▪️Safe family members nearby
▪️High school diploma
▪️Having a healthy partner to parent with

We can’t do better until we know better.

#texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #biofamily #familypreservation #supportnotseparate #reunification #fostertoreunify #fostercare #ittakesavillage #bethevillage #protectkidsrestorefamilies #strengthenfamilies #thisisfostercare #breakthecycle

These are some ways to help foster families.

Children in foster care need stable, consistent, safe adults in their lives. If you can’t babysit, there are lots of other ways to help (see another post)!

How else can we help foster families while they support a bio family during their time of crisis?

#texasfostercare #familypreservation #fostertoreunify #fostercare #reunification #ittakesavillage #bethevillage #familiesincrisis

These are some ways to help foster families.

Children in foster care need stable, consistent, safe adults in their lives. If you can’t babysit, there are lots of other ways to help (see another post)!

How else can we help foster families while they support a bio family during their time of crisis?

#texasfostercare #familypreservation #fostertoreunify #fostercare #reunification #ittakesavillage #bethevillage #familiesincrisis

Becoming a foster parent requires so much education. States require minimal training, so that leaves the responsibility on the prospective foster parent to do the extra work.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, start with research. Before you even find an agency, gather as much information as you possibly can.

📕Listen to the voices of former foster youth and adoptees to hear their stories and what the adults did wrong in their childhood.
📗Learn about transracial care from experts of the BIPOC community. Children of color and indigenous children are over represented in foster care.

Most importantly, learn about what safe reunification means. This is the primary goal of foster care whenever it’s safe to do so. Foster parents have the opportunity to advocate for safe reunification. It’s not right that becuase the system is broken, this falls on their shoulders, but foster parents finding space to advocate for these bio parents can many times be their only shot at reunifying.

All of this research can help you find the best possible space to help support our community’s vulnerable children. It may not be as a foster parent and that’s okay. There are many areas that need our help (see previous post)!

#reunification #fostercare #familypreservation #trauma #supportnotseparate #changethenarrative #texasfostercare #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoicesmatter #protectkidsrestorefamilies #strengthenfamilies #thisisfostercare #bioparentsupport #familiesincrisis #biofamily #changethenumbers

Becoming a foster parent requires so much education. States require minimal training, so that leaves the responsibility on the prospective foster parent to do the extra work.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, start with research. Before you even find an agency, gather as much information as you possibly can.

📕Listen to the voices of former foster youth and adoptees to hear their stories and what the adults did wrong in their childhood.
📗Learn about transracial care from experts of the BIPOC community. Children of color and indigenous children are over represented in foster care.

Most importantly, learn about what safe reunification means. This is the primary goal of foster care whenever it’s safe to do so. Foster parents have the opportunity to advocate for safe reunification. It’s not right that becuase the system is broken, this falls on their shoulders, but foster parents finding space to advocate for these bio parents can many times be their only shot at reunifying.

All of this research can help you find the best possible space to help support our community’s vulnerable children. It may not be as a foster parent and that’s okay. There are many areas that need our help (see previous post)!

#reunification #fostercare #familypreservation #trauma #supportnotseparate #changethenarrative #texasfostercare #formerfosteryouth #adopteevoicesmatter #protectkidsrestorefamilies #strengthenfamilies #thisisfostercare #bioparentsupport #familiesincrisis #biofamily #changethenumbers

Of the 25% of children who reunify with their bio parent(s) in TX, there is a portion who unfortunately come back into care.

Re entry to care can be for the same reason as the first time or something completely unrelated.

Contributing factors for return can be:
🟥Check ins from the legal team decreased
🟪Resources are cut back after reunification
🟧Family or parent therapy ended
🟦Parents are parenting in a new season of life
🟨Cases can be closed early to conserve resources
🟩No safe support system was built during the case

How do we #changethenumbers??

#texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #supportnotseparate #biofamily #reunification #formerfosteryouth #bioparentsupport #familypreservation #protectkidsrestorefamilies #reunification #strengthenfamilies #breakthecycle #ittakesavillage #fostercare #thisisfostercare

Of the 25% of children who reunify with their bio parent(s) in TX, there is a portion who unfortunately come back into care.

Re entry to care can be for the same reason as the first time or something completely unrelated.

Contributing factors for return can be:
🟥Check ins from the legal team decreased
🟪Resources are cut back after reunification
🟧Family or parent therapy ended
🟦Parents are parenting in a new season of life
🟨Cases can be closed early to conserve resources
🟩No safe support system was built during the case

How do we #changethenumbers??

#texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #supportnotseparate #biofamily #reunification #formerfosteryouth #bioparentsupport #familypreservation #protectkidsrestorefamilies #reunification #strengthenfamilies #breakthecycle #ittakesavillage #fostercare #thisisfostercare

Not all adoptive parents are foster parents.
Not all foster parents are adoptive parents.

Private infant adoption is different from adoption from foster care (see previous post).

Each foster care case is extremely nuanced.

Foster parenting is not for everyone.

Foster parenting means:
🔵Getting attached
⚫️Loving these children as your own
🟡Speaking up for voices that are drowned out
🟢Advocating for safe reunification
🟠Fostering the family
🟣Compassion fatigue
⚪️Researching trauma and transracial care
🔴Prioritizing the child, their needs and what’s best for a safe reunification

There are MANY other ways to help the foster care community (see another previous post) if you are not able to commit to becoming a foster parent.

#familypreservation #familiesincrisis #trauma #texasfostercare #changethenarrative #biofamily #adoptionistrauma #adopteevoicesmatter #reunification #supportnotseparate #formerfosteryouthvoices #strengthenfamilies #parentingishard

Not all adoptive parents are foster parents.
Not all foster parents are adoptive parents.

Private infant adoption is different from adoption from foster care (see previous post).

Each foster care case is extremely nuanced.

Foster parenting is not for everyone.

Foster parenting means:
🔵Getting attached
⚫️Loving these children as your own
🟡Speaking up for voices that are drowned out
🟢Advocating for safe reunification
🟠Fostering the family
🟣Compassion fatigue
⚪️Researching trauma and transracial care
🔴Prioritizing the child, their needs and what’s best for a safe reunification

There are MANY other ways to help the foster care community (see another previous post) if you are not able to commit to becoming a foster parent.

#familypreservation #familiesincrisis #trauma #texasfostercare #changethenarrative #biofamily #adoptionistrauma #adopteevoicesmatter #reunification #supportnotseparate #formerfosteryouthvoices #strengthenfamilies #parentingishard

Listen to @drdanishakeating and our founder get into the nuances of foster care, family reunification and how society creates the narrative for families involved with child welfare.

Find the full podcast in our bio.

#familypreservation #familiesincrisis #trauma #texasfostercare #changethenarrative #biofamily #adoptionistrauma #adopteevoicesmatter #reunification #bioparentsupport #formerfosteryouthvoices #strengthenfamilies #supportnotseparate #parentingishard

Listen to @drdanishakeating and our founder get into the nuances of foster care, family reunification and how society creates the narrative for families involved with child welfare.

Find the full podcast in our bio.

#familypreservation #familiesincrisis #trauma #texasfostercare #changethenarrative #biofamily #adoptionistrauma #adopteevoicesmatter #reunification #bioparentsupport #formerfosteryouthvoices #strengthenfamilies #supportnotseparate #parentingishard

Knowing the effects of trauma and how it appears can help us understand situations better.

It can help us understand ourselves better.

It can allow us to give ourselves grace for things that happened TO us, that our bodies responded to through survival mode.

Harmful actions are not excused as a result of trauma. But learning about trauma can help us understand the foundation of why some of us result to harmful actions.

Healing is a journey. And it takes time.

Everyone carries different trauma. And healing from that trauma looks different for everyone.

#trauma #healingisexhausting #familiesincrisis #formerfosteryouth #texasfostercare #healingisajourney #intergenerationaltrauma #traumaisgenerational #breakthecycle #protectkidsrestorefamilies #bekindtoyourself #selflove

Knowing the effects of trauma and how it appears can help us understand situations better.

It can help us understand ourselves better.

It can allow us to give ourselves grace for things that happened TO us, that our bodies responded to through survival mode.

Harmful actions are not excused as a result of trauma. But learning about trauma can help us understand the foundation of why some of us result to harmful actions.

Healing is a journey. And it takes time.

Everyone carries different trauma. And healing from that trauma looks different for everyone.

#trauma #healingisexhausting #familiesincrisis #formerfosteryouth #texasfostercare #healingisajourney #intergenerationaltrauma #traumaisgenerational #breakthecycle #protectkidsrestorefamilies #bekindtoyourself #selflove

Holidays can bring difficult memories. They can remind us of the trauma we carry. Wishing someone “happy holidays” can activate these feelings.

The holiday season can also mean more time at home and increased triggers. This can lead to a higher risk for DV.

And the end of year is also a time when organizations have exhausted available funds and closed offices for the holidays. This makes obtaining resources much more challenging during this time of year.

Check in on your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members. We don’t always see the baggage people carry.

Be kind to one another and give yourself grace.
You are enough.

#trauma #healingisexhausting #texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #ittakesavillage #bethevillage #support

Holidays can bring difficult memories. They can remind us of the trauma we carry. Wishing someone “happy holidays” can activate these feelings.

The holiday season can also mean more time at home and increased triggers. This can lead to a higher risk for DV.

And the end of year is also a time when organizations have exhausted available funds and closed offices for the holidays. This makes obtaining resources much more challenging during this time of year.

Check in on your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members. We don’t always see the baggage people carry.

Be kind to one another and give yourself grace.
You are enough.

#trauma #healingisexhausting #texasfostercare #familiesincrisis #ittakesavillage #bethevillage #support

Holidays can be a fun and a special time of year. Holidays can also be a hard, overwhelming, triggering time of year.

If you have a foster family in your life, make sure to check in and offer help. Be specific in your capacity/availability to help.

If you’re shopping for kids in care, remember their bio siblings who may live elsewhere and other kiddos who live in the same foster home.

As a foster home, we can include bio family in gift giving. When safe, we can also include them in holiday events at school and in the community.

Check out these pages organizing wish lists:
@fostertheteens
@settlementhome
@upbringorg
@partnershipsforchildren
@fosterangelsctx

Holidays can be a fun and a special time of year. Holidays can also be a hard, overwhelming, triggering time of year.

If you have a foster family in your life, make sure to check in and offer help. Be specific in your capacity/availability to help.

If you’re shopping for kids in care, remember their bio siblings who may live elsewhere and other kiddos who live in the same foster home.

As a foster home, we can include bio family in gift giving. When safe, we can also include them in holiday events at school and in the community.

Check out these pages organizing wish lists:
@fostertheteens
@settlementhome
@upbringorg
@partnershipsforchildren
@fosterangelsctx

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Join the Conversation @MosaicAdvocacy

Do the best you can until you know better.
When you know better, do better.
-Maya Angelou, Civil Rights Activist

bottom of page