The Foster Parent Survival Guide

Foster parenting is often seen as a calling and a mission of love. At the same time, foster parenting can be both very difficult and exhausting. When caring for children who have suffered abuse, neglect, and traumas, foster parents face their own set of unique challenges each day. The Foster Care Survival Guide is a must have for today’s foster parents. It is a guide to surviving the lifestyle of a foster parent filled with personal stories, practical tips and advice, and even humor and emotions, The Foster Care Survival Guide is an essential guide for both novice and experienced foster parents. Leading foster care expert Dr. John DeGarmo combines his own wisdom with that of fellow foster parents. Tackling issues such as helping children with disorders and anxieties, how to best manage the lifestyle of a foster parent, working with birth parents, getting the help you need, addressing your own marriage while caring for children in need, and balancing the needs of your biological children with your foster children, The Foster Care Survival Guide delivers experienced and sympathetic wisdom and advice that every foster parent, advocate, and professional needs today as they care for children in care.

After thinking for many years how I could make a difference, I am elated to finish my first project and begin working to assist emancipated foster youth acquire a more suitable standard of living. Over the years I developed a passion for helping the less fortunate, the underserved, the weary and exhausted. At one time, I was the less fortunate, part of the underserved, and I felt weary and exhausted after some of the choices I made; until I met someone who encouraged me to do something different with my life. My friend encouraged me to dream! He provided me with the strength and courage to stand for what is right and “do” something about the injustice I witnessed. His advice, love, hugs, and shoulder to cry on always kept me feeling secure and confident. My decision to write this book was sparked by the young people which crossed my path and allowed me to take a tiny peak into their lives. In addition to the people who have the passion and desire to make a difference in the lives of our troubled youth. All of us can do something to encourage or inspire someone, whether we become foster parents, volunteer in our community, mentor a youth, spend time with the elderly or spend time in the classroom. Each act of kindness will propel our future in the right direction. By you making the decision to purchase this book, you have made a conscience decision to improve the outcomes for current and former foster youth. You are extraordinary and exceptional and I want to personally thank you for taking action to help today’s abused, neglected and abandoned children. Your efforts do not go unrecognized. We appreciate every act of kindness, every encouraging word, every listening ear, and every understanding heart. As you read through this book and obtain the necessary information to assist you in caring for traumatized children, we appreciate your thoughts, comments, and concerns. Please log onto our website: http://www.finding-solutions.org and send us your thoughts, comments, and or questions. It is important that we keep the line of communication open and you provide us with feedback that can assist in furthering our mission, as well as, you feeling comfortable delivering services to our most valuable resources.

What does a foster kid need to do to overcome his or her harsh beginning and make a successful transition into adulthood? Author Paul Enrique Knowlton answers this and other questions surrounding the foster care experience. Knowlton and his siblings, first generation Cuban-Americans, entered the New Jersey foster care system in 1965. They remained in foster care for various lengths of time until they met again ten years later. But their reunion was short-lived. In the years that followed, the siblings scattered and struggled, but, as they grew into adults, they bonded and prospered. Now, after twenty years of gathering information, Knowlton presents The Original Foster Care Survival Guide, which will give foster children and former foster children the critical guidance they need to overcome their experience and prosper in their new lives. With access to this unique combination of wisdom and knowledge, no foster child-present or former-will ever wonder, "What do I need to do to get out of this mess?"

The Foster Parenting Manual is a comprehensive guide offering proven, friendly advice for novice and experienced parents alike. Distilling many years' experience into one book, John DeGarmo combines his own wisdom with that of fellow foster parents. He describes what to expect from the process, how to access help and how to ensure the best care for your child. He tackles thorny issues such as children's use of the Internet and social media, managing contact with birth parents and how to support your child at school. Most importantly, he provides advice designed to help your child feel safe, secure and loved. The Foster Parenting Manual offers seasoned, sympathetic advice that will be valued by foster parents and the professionals who support them.