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Session 2
Unit Four: New Roles, Confidentiality
Roles of Foster and Adoptive Parents
When you become foster or adoptive parents you take on many new roles and responsibilities. The role of a foster parent has evolved from that of a temporary caregiver to being an essential part of a professional team determining the best long-term plan for a child.
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In the 1970s studies began to uncover the problems associated with “foster care drift”- children growing up in foster care, moving from placement to placement, casework practice which did not show a concerted effort to actively engage birth families in reunification efforts.
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The 1980s began to focus on permanency planning which recognized the need and right for every child to grow up in one family with relationships intended to last a lifetime.
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Within the last decade, it has been recognized nationally and at the state level that the role of foster parenting has changed significantly because the needs of children require more than general parenting skills.(National Association of Foster Care Reviewers, http://www.nafcr.org/)
Foster parents today are an active part of a team of professionals working with a child. The team includes the DHHS Social Worker, birth parents, case manager, educational, medical, and mental health professionals and the child’s attorney.
Team members are involved with
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Development and/or implementation of the child’s service plan
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Participation in regular meetings
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Working towards timely permanency for the child
The emphasis on reunification requires that the foster parents have increased professional level interactions with birth and extended families.
The emphasis on permanency requires a high degree of flexibility and advocacy by the foster parent.
As a professional team member the foster parent:
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Puts the needs of the child first.
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Acts as an advocate for the child.
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Exchanges feedback with their partner and other professionals.
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Actively works with birth family to mentor and support.
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Assists with transitions to birth homes, to adoption, and to other foster homes.
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Is consciously and continuously seeking to build their knowledge and skills.
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Is in touch with their own feelings and how they affect their parenting activities.
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Helps assess the child’s needs.
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Documents their professional activities.
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Adheres to Federal and State laws and regulations.
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Is an equal member of the team.
