Course: FOCUS on Foster Families

Welcome to the FOCUS on Foster Families Web Portal! Please explore the section that best fits your role as a provider, foster youth, or caregiver. You can also view videos straight from our video index, download FOCUS handouts and tip sheets from the Resource Library or download the app to your mobile device using the links below.

We're so glad you're here and hope you enjoy FOCUS on Foster Families!

Video Index

Resource Library

For Caregivers

Welcome! In this section, you will find videos and resources for foster adoptive parents, caregivers, and relatives.

Explore each section, to hear from mental health, social service, and legal experts as well as stories and experiences from other foster-adoptive parents, caregivers, and relatives. The videos and resources in this section will help you learn new ways to support a child during periods of transition and also understand how their emotions might impact their behavior.

We're so glad you're here!

Todos los videos incluyen subtítulos en español. Si no se muestran automáticamente, simplemente presione el botón [CC] en la sección de controles abajo del video y seleccione español.

Understanding and responding to challenging behaviors

Skills to build your family

Advocating for and accessing services

Advice from foster and adoptive youth

For Youth

Welcome! In this section you will find videos and activities designed for foster youth and kids.

Explore each section to hear from other foster youth, mentors, and professionals on topics like finding your voice and communicating your needs, settling in to new surroundings, and managing tough emotions and stressful situations.

We're so glad you're here!

Todos los videos incluyen subtítulos en español. Si no se muestran automáticamente, simplemente presione el botón [CC] en la sección de controles abajo del video y seleccione español.

What helped me most

Messages of hope

Managing difficulties

Helpful information

Advice from foster youth

For Providers

These provider guides were designed to help health care providers and other professionals use the free FOCUS on Foster Families resources with the families with whom they work to build skills such as problem-solving, communication, and emotion regulation. Each guide incorporates videos and worksheets from the FOCUS on Foster Families resource library in order to create an interactive experience. They have been written as group sessions for 6-8 people. However, they can be utilized in larger or smaller groups or with individuals. Incorporating technology into the session guides allows providers and families to access the FOCUS on Foster Families materials without buying expensive kits or shipping printouts. Research has found that over 90% of youth in the U.S. have access to the internet and 75% of them use the internet to seek health-related information. With this in mind, we created the FOCUS on Foster Families web portal and mobile app. We hope that you find these resources helpful!

Some are for resource/adoptive caregivers and others are for foster/adoptive youth! Sessions can be done in any order.

Click below to access the FOCUS on Foster Families provider guides.

Building a Foundation, Building Trust

Understanding adolescent development and managing feelings

Understanding child development and managing feelings

Overcoming tough emotions and being your own advocate

Communicating and goal setting

How to Build a Stronger Family

Video Index

Title
Understand where the child is coming from
Discipline and consequences
When you have an argument with your foster child
Do not take child reactions personally
Uneven development: Sometimes our teen acts like a little kid
The roller coaster ride of adoptionPage
GUIDE: Preparing for visits with birth parents
Be a mirror that focuses on the ways they are wonderful
DEMONSTRATION: Responding to behavior problems
DEMONSTRATION: Preparing for a visit with a birth parent
DEMONSTRATION: Holding a family meeting
DEMONSTRATION: Playing with a young child
DEMONSTRATION: Dealing with a tantrum
I gave my foster child her childhood back
Challenge of being a foster to adopt parent
Assessing medical and developmental challenges
When to turn to professional help
Advocating for your child in all of their settings
The importance of early intervention
Thank you message to caregivers
Advice for foster parents
You need to take it slowly
One night I was crying and my foster mom just held me
I use to hate everyone building trust took time
Advice to foster parents from a current foster youth
What helped us through the hardest times
When I first went into foster care I was petrified
Feeling good about yourself
What are your proudest moments
There are people who want to help but you need to reach out to them
Supportive message to foster youth
Dreaming is important - you can make them happen
You will have a good life
I believe in you
If your foster home is bad
Moving is very hard, I learned to take it slowly
Advice from a foster youth who has had difficult experiences
Moving to a different area
Feeling ashamed of being a foster child
One day I decided to stop crying and do something about it
Strengths I developed from being a foster youth
Legal options for older, non-adopted youth
My story: Some very bad times with a happy ending
You have to be your own voice
Advocate for yourself and take charge
Foster care made me hateful, but hate comes at a cost
Court was very intimidating but don't let that get to you
Title

For Caregivers

For Youth

For Providers

Video Index

Resource Library

Topic outline

For Caregivers

For Youth

For Providers

Video Index

Resource Library