Foster Parent Collaboration: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Professionals argues that the foster care system is in crisis and one strategy for meaningful change is for social workers and other professionals to collaborate with foster parents. The collaboration will assist with increasing foster parent retention and the quality of care they can provide to children in their homes. The book provides practical suggestions supported by current research for how this can be done. The book provides information about the foster care system, children in foster care, and foster parents'' vital roles. It couples the first-hand experience of a foster parent and social worker with current research. This combined lens provides a critical examination of the current realities of foster parents and social workers in foster care. Derived from both practice knowledge and empirical evidence, the book provides guidance to social workers and other professionals about how to effectively work with foster parents. The goal is to promote change in the foster care system and improve the outcomes for children and families. It serves as a tool to help social workers and other professionals currently working in the foster care system improve their skills and better collaborate with foster parents. Foster Parent Collaboration contains numerous practice examples drawn from actual cases that offer insights into what social workers and foster parents navigate and how social workers best can work with foster parents. Each chapter includes a real-life challenge from a foster parent''s perspective. The book also incorporates checklists and reflection questions for scenarios to assist readers in mastering the skills and content.
Industry Reviews
"Foster Parent Collaboration is a must read for anyone involved in the child welfare system, as well as those entangled in or considering the perilous role of foster parenting or social work. Amanda Preston and Lisa Schelbe provide a sensitive and in-depth examination of the realities of foster care, offering a deeper understanding of the array of issues foster children and their families face while advocating for much needed change in the child
welfare system." -- Sharla Rathler, Consultant, Aboriginal Infant & Supported Child Development Program
"Foster Parent Collaboration provides honest and experienced insights into the dynamics of what it's like to be a foster parent in an imperfect child-care system. As an occupational therapist, I'm honored to reinforce the encouragement of collaboration between foster parents and professionals. Amanda Preston and Lisa Shelbe admirably illustrate that foster parents are valuable members of professional team collaborations; they are often the ones who
know the children best, and they deserve and need our support. This book is a call to action, promoting grace and understanding, in the greatest interests of children who need champions." -- Kim Barthel,
Occupational Therapist
"Foster Parent Collaboration is a transformative tool designed to promote systemic change within the child welfare system. Amanda Preston and Lisa Shelbe have crafted an essential guide that not only sharpens the skills of current social workers and professionals but also equips future practitioners with the knowledge to forge meaningful collaboration with foster parents. The book is a powerful resource for anyone committed to reshaping the future of
child welfare." -- Michelle Madrid, Author of Let Us Be Greater: A Gentle, Guided Path to Healing for Adoptees, Adoptee Wellness Coach, International Adoptee, former Foster Child in the UK
"The Foster Parent Collaboration offers a significant contribution to social work by championing foster parents as indispensable partners, providing practical tools for enhanced collaboration, and advocating for systemic changes that ultimately serve the best interests of children in care." -- Nicole Peel, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University
