More Than Fostering: Building Lasting Family Connections

When one of our Y foster families welcomed a young child into their home for a short-term placement, they never imagined the bond they would form—not just with him, but with his mother as well. They provided care and stability during a difficult time, knowing that the ultimate goal was reunification.

But their connection didn’t end there. Even after the child returned home, the foster family remained a part of his life. Nearly four years later, they still see him every week, stay in regular contact with his mother, and even pick him up from school to spend time together. Then, this past December, the child’s mother made a heartfelt request: she asked the foster family to become his godparents. Without hesitation, they said yes.

This story is a testament to what foster care can truly be—not just a temporary placement, but a way to build meaningful, lasting relationships that support both children and their families.

The Role of Foster Parents in Family Time

Family separation is a traumatic experience for children, and research shows that maintaining consistent contact with their biological parents and siblings is crucial for their emotional well-being. That’s why family time visits are such a vital part of the reunification process.

Foster parents play a key role in making these visits successful. They can help by:

• Preparing children for visits and offering encouragement.
• Creating a positive atmosphere around family time.
• Providing a safe space for children to express their emotions—whether excitement, hesitation, or sadness.

Sometimes, biological parents may miss a scheduled visit, which can be heartbreaking for a child. In these moments, reassurance is key. Foster parents can remind children that they are loved and avoid speaking negatively about their parents. Instead, offering age-appropriate explanations about the challenges parents may be facing can help foster empathy and understanding.

Building Bridges with Biological Parents

Family time isn’t just for the child—it’s also an opportunity for foster parents to build a relationship with biological parents. One effective way to do this is by using a placement journal. This journal can include updates, milestones, and photos, giving biological parents a window into their child’s daily life. Over time, communication may expand to texting through a Google phone number or even in-person meetings, strengthening the connection and trust between both families.

Many foster parents who develop these relationships find themselves continuing to play a meaningful role in a child’s life even after reunification. Some provide emotional support to parents adjusting to single parenthood, while others, like the Y foster family in our story, become lifelong mentors and even family figures.

Fostering is More Than a Placement—It’s a Community

Foster parenting is about more than providing temporary care; it’s about strengthening families, supporting parents in need, and expanding the very definition of family and community. By encouraging family time and fostering relationships, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and parents alike.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support family time visitations and be part of this journey, reach out to our team today. Together, we can create a future where every child feels loved, supported, and connected.