Foster Care Training

Foster parenting and adoptive parenting can be both wonderfully rewarding and distinctly challenging. We know that youth placed with foster and adoptive parents who identify as members of racial/cultural groups other than that of the youth often experience distinct challenges navigating family, school and community life. If foster and adoptive parents are not considering racial identity development as a critical part of a youth’s needs while in care, then accidental harm can be done and youth in care can feel isolated, misunderstood and at greater risk for social emotional harm. This training is designed to examine the strengths and challenges involved in transracial foster and adoptive placements, and to provide concrete support strategies for those working with youth and families in transracial placements.