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November 2015Vol. 16, No. 8Self-Care for Foster Parents

The life of a foster parent can be full of rewards and challenges. Sometimes, caring for children that have been abused, neglected, and traumatized can be stressful and demanding, so foster families may at times feel overwhelmed or unable to parent effectively. 


To ensure the best possible care for a child, it is important for foster parents to make an ongoing commitment to their own self-care. The May 2015 issue of Fostering Perspectives focuses on "Taking Care of Yourself" and provides tips, practical information, and considerations for parents to manage stress, develop resilience, and maintain a healthy balance between their commitment to others and to themselves. 


Articles included in this issue highlight key foster parent self-care strategies and resources, such as:

  • Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care Skills and Barriers
  • Mobile App for Building Resilience in Foster Families
  • Sources of Support
  • Assessing Stress Level
  • Foster Parent Training Opportunities
  • Advice from Youth in Foster Care

Fostering Perspectives is sponsored by the North Carolina Division of Social Services and the Family and Children's Resource Program. Access the May 2015 issue at http://www.fosteringperspectives.org/fpv19n2/v19n2.htm.