Building trust in a foster family can be challenging but is essential for creating a stable and supportive environment for foster children. Here are some family interventions designed to build trust:
1. Have Regular Family Meetings
Purpose: To provide a structured environment where everyone can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly and respectfully.
HowTo:
Schedule regular family meetings at a consistent time each week.
Create a safe space where each family member, including foster clientren, can share without interruption.
Use a talking stick or similar object to ensure everyone gets a turn to speak.
Discuss family issues, plans, and activities, and make decisions together.
Use these meetings to celebrate successes and address any conflicts constructively.
2. Spend Quality Time Together
Purpose: To strengthen bonds through shared activities and experiences.
HowTo:
Plan regular family activities that everyone can enjoy, such as game nights, outings, or movie nights.
Encourage participation in each other’s hobbies or interests.
Schedule oneonone time between foster parents and foster clientren to build individual connections.
Create traditions, such as weekly dinners or seasonal celebrations, to foster a sense of belonging.
3. Provide Consistent Routines and Boundaries
Purpose: To create a sense of safety and predictability.
HowTo:
Establish clear and consistent daily routines, including wakeup times, meals, and bedtimes.
Set and enforce ageappropriate rules and boundaries.
Explain the reasons behind rules and involve clientren in setting some of their own boundaries.
Be consistent in enforcing rules but also show flexibility when necessary, explaining any changes clearly.
4. Model Open Communication
Purpose: To encourage honest and open dialogue.
HowTo:
Practice active listening, showing empathy and understanding.
Validate the client’s feelings and experiences, even if they differ from your own.
Use “I” statements to express feelings and concerns without blaming.
Encourage foster clientren to express themselves through various means, such as talking, writing, or drawing.
5. Seek Therapeutic Support
Purpose: To address underlying issues and provide professional support.
HowTo:
Arrange for family therapy sessions with a licensed therapist who specializes in foster care.
Encourage individual therapy for foster clientren to help them process their past experiences.
Participate in parenting classes or support groups for foster parents to learn effective strategies and share experiences.
Use therapeutic techniques, such as mindfulness or art therapy, to help clientren express and manage their emotions.
6. Build a Positive Family Culture
Purpose: To create a nurturing and supportive family environment.
HowTo:
Focus on strengths and positive behaviors rather than only addressing negative ones.
Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to boost selfesteem and confidence.
Show appreciation and gratitude regularly to each family member.
Foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation within the family.
7. Respect Private and Personal Space
Purpose: To show respect for the foster client’s boundaries and individuality.
HowTo:
Provide a personal space for the foster client, such as their own room or a designated area.
Knock and ask for permission before entering the client’s room.
Respect their belongings and personal choices.
Allow them time alone when they need it and don’t force participation in all family activities.
8. Give Educational and Recreational Support
Purpose: To support the foster client’s development and interests.
HowTo:
Show interest in the client’s schoolwork and attend school events.
Help with homework and provide educational resources.
Encourage participation in extracurricular activities that interest them.
Support their hobbies and interests by providing necessary materials and encouragement.
9. Assign Shared Responsibilities
Purpose: To promote a sense of ownership and belonging.
HowTo:
Assign age appropriate chores and responsibilities to each family member.
Rotate tasks to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Encourage teamwork in completing household chores and projects.
Praise and reward efforts and contributions to the household.
10. Create a Safe and Nurturing Environment
Purpose: To ensure the client feels secure and cared for.
HowTo:
Show consistent love, care, and attention.
Be patient and understanding of the client’s behaviors and needs.
Provide physical comfort, such as hugs or a comforting presence, as appropriate.
Ensure the home environment is physically safe and free from harm.
By implementing these interventions, foster families can create a trusting, supportive, and loving environment that helps foster clientren feel secure and valued.
For a list of recommended books please visit Jeanette-ically Speaking Amazon bookstore.
Comments