A book appropriate for children and families connected by foster care.
Recommended for ages 6 and up with ages 6-9 being read with an adult. Beautifully illustrated, this work provides an honest look and deeper understanding of how the foster care process works and the feelings that many children have about being removed from their families of origin, and being placed into foster care.
There are brief references to real reasons why a family can't stay together such as a parent not being able to provide food and shelter, addiction, incarceration and being too young to parent a child.
What is Foster Care? is written in simple terms it aims to inspire an honest conversation about the realities of how foster families are formed today. This book is authored by a licensed psychotherapist, who was also raised in foster care system and who's firsthand experience provides a special insight into the complex feelings for all involved. The book provides support to foster and adoptive parents, foster care and adoption social workers, as well as mental health workers. The story helps ease understanding of the foster care experience, and educates the reader about dealing with issues around grief and loss and the importance of belonging to a home called "family".
"The most important thing to remember is that children can not be left alone. In fact, it is against the law to leave a child alone, uncared for or unprotected. Every child deserves and needs a safe home, a loving parent and a good education."
You are worthy.
You are loved.
You are valuable.
You are not alone.
Written by Child Psychotherapist and Adoptee, Jeanette Yoffe, M.F.T.
