Topic outline



  • 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!

    FoFF-Button_For_Caregivers
    FoFF-Button_For_Youth
    FoFF-Button_Providers
    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

        FOCUS on Foster Families - 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

            • Resource Library

              TitleTítulo
              Action PlanPlan de ACCIONEnglishEn Espanol
              Adolescent DevelopmentEnglish
              Child DevelopmentEnglish
              Daily PlayEnglish
              Deep Breathing for ChildrenRespiración profunda para niñosEnglishEn Espanol
              Effective Communication SkillsHabilidades de comunicación efectivaEnglishEn Espanol
              Family CollageCollage de la familiaEnglishEn Espanol
              Family StatementsEnglish
              Feeling Chart for KidsGráfico de sentimiento para los niñosEnglishEn Espanol
              Feeling ThermometerTermómetro de SensaciónEnglishEn Espanol
              TitleTítulo
              Showing 1 to 10 of 25 entries