20 Best Books For Foster Parents (2023 Update)

Many people embark on the journey of adoption and foster care but are unprepared for the challenges that await them along the way. replanted takes an honest look at the joys and hardships that come with choosing this journey and provides a model of faith-based support made up of three parts to help families thrive: soil, sunlight, and water. soil, or emotional support, addresses the need for grace-filled settings where families can connect with other families who understand their experience. sunlight, or informational support, focuses on obtaining helpful training to raise children who may have unique needs or challenges. water, or tangible support, deals with concrete resources such as medical care, child care, and financial support. throughout the book, the replanted model is brought to life by stories and examples based on the clinical work and personal experiences of the authors. their candid insight will serve families who are actively involved in adoption or foster care, as well as people who are eager to help support those families. replanted affirms that with the right support system in place, parents can answer this sacred call not only with open hearts but also with their eyes wide open.

"who are the children of foster care? cris beam, a foster mother herself, spent five years immersed in the world of foster care, looking into these questions and tracing firsthand stories. the result is to the end of june, an unforgettable portrait that takes us deep inside the lives of foster children at the critical points in their search for a stable, loving family. the book mirrors the life cycle of a foster child and so begins with the removal of babies and kids from birth families. there's a teenage birth mother in texas who signs away her parental rights on a napkin only to later reconsider, crushing the hopes of her baby's adoptive parents. beam then paints an unprecedented portrait of the intricacies of growing up in the system, the back-and-forth with agencies, the shuffling between pre-adoptive homes and group homes, the emotionally charged tug of prospective adoptive parents and the fundamental pull of birth parents. and then what happens as these system-reared kids become adults? beam closely follows a group of teenagers in new york who are grappling with what aging out will mean for them and meets a woman who has parented eleven kids from the system, almost all over the age of eighteen, and all still in desperate need of a sense of home and belonging. focusing intensely on a few foster families who are deeply invested in the system's success, to the end of june is essential for humanizing and challenging a broken system, while at the same time it is a tribute to resiliency and offers hope for real change"–publisher's website.

How do you meet the needs of the children who come to you from less than optimal situations? for those caring for children who have come to them from broken and battered families through the child welfare system, the rewards can seem small and the challenges more intense than anything you have ever experienced. raising children from tough beginnings, working with the child welfare system, and advocating for the children in your care can be difficult with a steep learning curve. but now, foster and resource parents have a place to turn to for answers, comfort, and a deep community connection. this book provides words of wisdom, connections to others who've walked in the same shoes, and advice for the most difficult situations you might encounter. more than 100 contributors have created this useful resource specifically for foster parents and the professionals who work with them: caseworkers, social workers, judges, casa's, gal's and others who are a part of the foster child's team. this is a top of the nightstand resource that offers you access 24/7 to a wealth of useful information from professionals in the field and successful resource and foster parents in the trenches. this is a book you may not read all at once, but you will come back to it again and again.foster parenting, the toughest job you will ever love…

Learn through one mom's real life account – the do's and don'ts of foster parenting and what she wishes she had known about healing children and the personal growth she'd discover along the way.

Discover what adoption and foster care really look like if you are considering adoption or foster care or are already somewhere in this difficult and complicated process, you need trusted information from people who have been where you are. mike and kristin berry have adopted eight children and cared for another 23 kids in their nine-year stint as foster parents. they aren’t just experts. they have experienced every emotional high and low and encountered virtually every situation imaginable as parents. now, they want to share what they’ve learned with you. get the answers you need to the following questions, and many more: should i foster parent or adopt? how do i know? what is the first step in becoming an adoptive or foster parent? what are the benefits of an open versus closed adoption? how and when do i tell my child that he or she is adopted? how do i help my child embrace his or her cultural and racial identity? honestly adoption will provide you with practical, down-to-earth advice to make good decisions in your own adoption and foster parenting journey and give you the help and hope you need.

If you're wondering if god can truly move in the life of someone with all the odds stacked against her, look no further than tori hope petersen. tori grew up in the foster care system, a bi-racial child in a confusing and volatile world. growing up with a mentally ill mother and living in twelve different foster homes, nothing was in her favor. and yet, even with a miniscule chance of graduating college and a great risk of being homeless, jobless, and on drugs, tori overcame every negative stereotype and assumption that attacked her identity. however, tori will tell you she did not overcome. christ did. in the face of the darkness, the difficulty, and the damage, jesus made a way for tori to find profound hope, deep faith, renewed purpose, and a loving family, too. after so many years of being on one side of foster care as a child, tori is now on the other side as a foster mom, adoptive mom, and biological mom. on top of that, she was crowned as a track and field all-american and named mrs. universe 2021, a platform she now uses to pursue her passion for foster care reform, adoption advocacy, and help for vulnerable populations. if you want to hear the true tale of an unlikely overcomer, this book is for you. if you want to learn more about the foster care system from a former foster youth's perspective, this book is for you. if you want to better dwell in the reality of your own spiritual adoption by our heavenly father and better understand the orphan and the widow that he loves dearly, this book is for you. ultimately, if you want to remember who god is, and what he can do through the most unlikely of people, fostered is for you.

One adoption social worker called in on it "the adoption book for everyone else": the grandparents and friends, neighbors and colleagues, aunts and uncles, teachers and caregivers of adoptive families. in on it contains helpful advice and instructive anecdotes from adoptive parents, adult adoptees, adoption professionals, and the friends and relatives of already established adoptive families. the author, an adoptive parent herself, has written an informative, friendly and very useful adoption guide that informs and enlightens readers even as it offers them a warm welcome into adoption.

Jennette mccurdy details how she overcame harrowing struggles as a child tv star—including anorexia and bulimia, addiction, severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and a traumatic relationship with her mother. a heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by icarly and sam & cat star jennette mccurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life. jennette mccurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. so she went along with what mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. she endured extensive at-home makeovers while mom chided, “your eyelashes are invisible, okay? you think dakota fanning doesn’t tint hers?” she was even showered by mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income. in i’m glad my mom died, jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. cast in a new nickelodeon series called icarly, she is thrust into fame. though mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“hi gale!”), jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. these issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the icarly spinoff sam & cat alongside ariana grande, her mother dies of cancer. finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants. told with refreshing candor and dark humor, i’m glad my mom died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

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. 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.

Has trauma affected the child you're caring for? just as you prepared your home to welcome a new child, it is important to prepare your heart and mind–especially if the child has suffered from a background of trauma. perhaps your invitation for love is met with hostility, and you find that this new member of your family rejects connection. if so, then it's critical to acknowledge the effects of trauma on a child's ability to attach. – mike and kristin berry realized this when they became adoptive and foster parents. in their twenty-year marriage, they have had the joy of adopting eight children and fostering twenty-three. they now offer guidance from their own journey to others parenting a child who has experienced past trauma. in securely attached, they offer practical insights that are supported by therapeutic and medical facts, so all parents can provide best for the children in their care. you'll learn: how trauma changes the brain – how to identify trauma-induced behaviors – how to identify attachment disorders – how to advocate for your child in the community. – get the help you need to better care for the children in your home. discover how you can create a family and home that is safe and supportive so your children can grow to trust and become securely attached.

Entering the journey of foster care and adoption can be one of the most daunting decisions that you make as a parent. parenting a child who has experienced trauma and loss is a rewarding experience, but it's not easy. in this biblically-centered and straight-forward book, pam parish helps parents to: consider the impact of foster care and adoption on their lives and families. evaluate their motives and expectations for the foster care and adoption experience. explore foster care and adoption through the lens of scripture. ready or not, 30-day discovery is sure to challenge, inspire and encourage you in your foster care and adoption journey. praise for ready or not: anyone considering foster care or adoption should first spend 30 days with this book. so much so, that it's now a part of the core curriculum for families desiring to foster or adopt in our churches. pam's transparency throughout the book gives a realistic picture of what to expect. her biblical insights powerfully draw us to the heart of god and his love for orphaned and at-risk children. andy and sandra stanley, north point community church in this thought provoking biblical study, pam parish clearly captures the journey of adoption and foster care. the experience brings parental transformation. of critical importance for every perspective adoptive parent is to count the cost. ready or not does just that. this is an excellent resource for faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to use as well as adoption ministries within the local church. i highly recommend it! jayne schooler, co-author of wounded children, healing homes and the whole life adoption book foster care and adoption are beautiful. they are also full of brokenness. potential parents need to be equipped and aware of the realities of adopting children that come from hard places. pam parish shares stories of her own personal journey as well as keen wisdom and biblical insight in ready or not. i will be recommending this book to every person that is considering foster care and adoption. ready or not will be an invaluable tool to help them determine if god is calling them to this journey. johnny carr, author of orphan justice this is one of the best resources i've found to count the costs of adopting and fostering, while at the same time creating a supportive team to hold each other up throughout their journeys. each week, the probing questions lead to deep discussions and honest reflection, calling each of us to consider what unconditional love truly looks like in action. david hennessey, director for global movements christian alliance for orphans (cafo) every prospective foster and adoptive parent should be given this book in advance of receiving a child into their home. pam speaks with such truth, passion and understanding of the journey with a child who comes from a hard place. this is a must read for those considering the decision to foster or adopt. ruby johnston, co-founder, lamb international in ready or not, pam challenges us to consider god's heart for orphans and our specific role in aligning our heart with his. this 30-day journey will inspire you through pam's honest and heartfelt words and through scriptures that confirmed her calling. it will recalibrate your expectations and motivation as you enter into your own calling. mary frances bowley founder, wellspring living author of a league of dangerous women and the white umbrella

Hope and help from a fellow foster parentthere are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that can leave you feeling depleted, alone, and discouraged. the many burdens of your day–hurting children, struggling biological parents, and a broken system–are only compounded by the many burdens of your heart–confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear.with the compassion and insight of a fellow foster parent, jamie c. finn helps you see your struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear on your unique everyday realities. in these easy-to-read chapters, you'll find honest personal stories and practical lessons that provide encouragement and direction from god's word as you walk the journey of foster parenting." jamie's honesty and willingness to share all of the beautiful and brutal parts of foster care are so refreshing and encouraging to me as a fellow foster mom. if you are brand-new to fostering or have been fostering for a decade, this book will resonate deeply with you, give you loads of practical advice for the many difficult situations you'll encounter in foster care, help you feel like you aren't alone, and point you to jesus on the really hard and exhausting days."–crystal paine, foster mom, blogger, podcaster, and new york times bestselling author"when it comes to encouraging and equipping parents on the foster care journey, jamie finn deserves your full attention. i laughed, i cried, i was inspired, and so much more as i read foster the family. whether you're new to the foster care journey or a seasoned veteran, this book needs to be on your shelf. you will read it again and again."–mike berry, author of winning the heart of your child and ceo of the honestly adoption company

At the tender age of four, my younger brother and i were abandoned by our mother and placed into child protective custody. by my nineteenth birthday, i had been shuffled through 40 foster homes, experienced two failed adoptions, and spent two years collectively in juvenile detention centers.in this book, i openly, honestly, and vulnerably share my memories, thoughts, feelings, and deepest secrets to provide you (the reader) with an intimate understanding and glimpse of what it feels like to be a child lost and shuffled around in the foster care system. if you have the desire to understand foster care from the perspective of the child, then this book is for you. for any parents, counselors, casa, or mentors who support youth in foster care and would like to have a better understanding of why they think or behave the way they do, and/or learn how to become a better advocate for them, then this book is also for you!

'the voice of reason for a generation of… mums and dads' – the guardian wildly popular parenting expert dr becky kennedy shares her groundbreaking approach to raising kids in a way that feels good. over the past several years, dr becky kennedy–known to her followers as 'dr becky'–has been sparking a parenting revolution. millions of parents, tired of following advice that either doesn't work or simply doesn't feel good, have embraced dr becky's empowering and effective approach, a model that prioritises connecting with our kids over correcting them. from reward charts to time-outs, many popular parenting approaches are based on shaping behaviour, not raising humans. these techniques don't build the skills kids need for life or account for their complex emotional needs. add to that parents' complicated relationships with their own upbringings and it's easy to see why so many of them feel lost, burned out, and worried they're failing their kids. in good inside, dr becky shares her parenting philosophy, complete with actionable strategies, that will help parents move from uncertainty and self-blame to confidence and sturdy leadership. offering perspective-shifting parenting principles and troubleshooting for specific scenarios–including sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, tantrums, and more–good inside is a comprehensive resource for a generation of parents looking for a new way to raise their kids while still setting them up for a lifetime of self-regulation, confidence, and resilience.

Successful guide for connecting foster and adoptive families learn how to connect with your foster and adoptive teen by applying 15 helpful tips given by former foster and adoptive teens. teenagers can be a mystery to say the least. teens that have been through the foster care system can be even more of a challenge as they put the past behind them, and move forward with their lives. often they must move on while living with someone who is not their biological family. in this setting they can very difficult to connect with. they need a great community of people to guide them to success and it starts with amazing parents. in this revolutionary itty bitty book, james poindexter iii, cc gives you 15 tips with explanations on how to connect with your teen and guide them to success. these tips are handpicked success tips given by former foster teens who have lived through the process and learned the do's and don'ts. tips like: -the same key doesn't fit every lock -look, listen & apply -give us an outlet if you are planning to become a foster parent or adoptive parent or step parent this book is a most important guide for you. pick up a copy today.

Introduces the people and procedures involved in foster care, and the feelings, reactions, and concerns of new foster children. includes an afterword for caregivers.

Introduces the people and procedures involved in foster care, and the feelings, reactions, and concerns of new foster children. includes an afterword for caregivers.

If you are thinking about fostering or adoption, this is a good book to start with. it doesn't offer beautiful pictures of waiting infants or angelic toddlers. those, you can get from any agency. instead, in fifty-two short chapters on different topics related to adoption and foster care, this book invites you to consider and prepare for realistic possibilities your agency may not think to mention. this book is written from the point of view of a foster and adoptive parent who has found the experience to be fulfilling, rewarding, gratifying, and exhausting! each thought-provoking topic is illustrated with a poignant example from the author's life, and followed by worksheets on which the reader is challenged to provide his or her own perspectives in response. in the thirty years between 1977 and 2007, the author parented one birth son, two stepsons, three foster daughters, one foster son, and three adopted sons. most of these young people presented with some combination of characteristics that put them in a category known as "special needs" or "hard to place." these characteristics included being older than five at the time of placement (the youngest was six and the oldest eighteen), being in a racial minority (one daughter and one son), and being part of a sibling group (the two youngest brothers). their medical and psychiatric diagnoses include posttraumatic stress disorder, reactive attachment disorder, major depression, physical abuse, manic depression with psychotic episodes, hemophilia that resulted in aids from a blood transfusion, multiple personality disorder (now known as disassociative identity disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, addiction, sexual abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, sociopathy, hypertension, failure to thrive, hearing impairment, rickets, and polycystic kidney disease. some of the stories are funny. some are tragic. all are true.

The ideal first book for prospective adopters.when you decide to adopt a child, you might assume that all the important work begins when the child comes to live with you. in fact the preparation stage before is crucial in ensuring that the adopted child will arrive to a safe and secure family. preparing for adoption provides clear advice on how to prepare for your adoptive child and create a strong foundation for a healthy and loving relationship. julia davis explains how many different factors can shape preparations for adoption, such as finding out about your child's history and using this information to establish a family environment which will meet your child's specific attachment needs. there is also advice on how to prepare your home to create a sense of safety for your child and how to prepare your family to support you as adoptive parents. primarily for adopters, foster carers and professionals supporting adopters, this book offers ideas and strategies to help parents prepare a happy and settled home for children before their arrival and ways to parent them in the early days of becoming a family that addresses their attachment needs.

The ideal first book for prospective adopters.when you decide to adopt a child, you might assume that all the important work begins when the child comes to live with you. in fact the preparation stage before is crucial in ensuring that the adopted child will arrive to a safe and secure family. preparing for adoption provides clear advice on how to prepare for your adoptive child and create a strong foundation for a healthy and loving relationship. julia davis explains how many different factors can shape preparations for adoption, such as finding out about your child's history and using this information to establish a family environment which will meet your child's specific attachment needs. there is also advice on how to prepare your home to create a sense of safety for your child and how to prepare your family to support you as adoptive parents. primarily for adopters, foster carers and professionals supporting adopters, this book offers ideas and strategies to help parents prepare a happy and settled home for children before their arrival and ways to parent them in the early days of becoming a family that addresses their attachment needs.