When a child is placed in foster care due to family problems, he or she is cared for by another family or institution. It is important for parents to know how their child is doing, whether he or she is healthy, and how he or she is doing in school. Keeping up to date with your child’s life can help you help him or her and prepare for future reunification. Caseworkers coordinate with the foster family to ensure you have constant information about your child’s situation. Studies show that when foster and birth parents form a positive relationship, family unity increases, trauma to children is reduced, and the chances of reunification are better.
Understand the foster care process
The child protection agency assigns a caseworker to your child’s case. The caseworker will work with you to understand why your child went into foster care and what changes you need to make to get him or her back. You will then create a family service plan. This plan will only be successful if you keep in regular contact with the caseworker and share all information related to the child. The caseworker will schedule appointments for your child, give you advice, and help you connect with necessary services. In this way, with the support of the caseworker and the foster family, you can keep track of your child’s progress.
Know your rights
As a parent, you have many legal rights. For example, you are entitled to meet and keep in touch with your child regularly if the court allows. You can attend legal hearings and seek the help of a lawyer if needed. Your caseworker has to give you a copy of your ‘case plan’ and inform you of any changes to the plan. By exercising these rights, you can ensure better care for your child and work towards reuniting the family.
Maintain an open dialogue
The foster family and caseworker play an important role in your child’s well-being. Open and regular dialogue with these partners can resolve all issues in time. Experts recommend keeping a separate email or phone number or using a back-and-forth journal to communicate information during visits. This allows you to share your child’s achievements, photos, and activities. You can also ask questions and express your concerns openly; this builds trust and helps your child feel cared for by their parents.
Regular visits and contact
It is important to meet your child regularly. Try to meet at least once a week as much as possible. Work with your caseworker and foster family to create a schedule of visits so that you can see your child regularly. If you live far away, talk to your child via phone or video call. You can also include your child’s schoolteacher or doctor during the visit to keep abreast of his studies and health. This way, you can stay updated on your child’s daily activities.
Documentation and record keeping
Keep a record of every visit, phone call, and service you attend. To show the court that you have made a commitment to caring for your child, keep a record of these details. Write down the dates of your conversations and meetings with your lawyer, social worker, or the court. Also, keep the child’s health reports, school report cards, photographs, and correspondence. With these documents, you can show that you have been involved with your child’s progress.
Support and resources
There are many types of support available during the foster care process. For example, many places have services such as ‘Parent Partners,’ who are parents who have already been through foster care and can guide you. You can also join local support groups, counseling services, and parenting networks. Many NGOs and community centers run support groups where you can meet others with similar experiences. You can also access both government and non-government support services. Ask your caseworker what additional services are available to you and help you access them. This way, you can ensure you have all the help you need when you need it.
