Inner Circle Foster Families are so excited when they first bring a child home with them. After hours of preparation, they are thrilled when the news arrives that a placement is available. One recent foster parent received a baby girl directly from the hospital and was overjoyed that she was able to provide the tenderness and care that was needed.
Visits with the birth families are carefully monitored by Inner Circle’s team of professionals. It is very important that the atmosphere is comfortable and the individuals who are there for the visit are respectful of one another. There is accompanying pain and despair when families require separations. Whatever the circumstances, there are losses that are incomprehensible. These losses can lead to hard feelings even toward the people who are offering the greatest help to the children.
When a child is older, careful explanations are provided so the child does not feel that the reason he/she is separated from parents is because of something the child has done. Unfortunately, young children often take on the blame even though the circumstances are external (poverty, drug abuse, homelessness, neglect). Inner Circle works by providing assurance to the child that their feelings are important and that their experience will improve. Supportive services are provided for the child, the birth family and the foster/adoptive family.
Foster families often are afraid themselves that their hearts will be broken when a child returns home. However, our families though sad when a child leaves, often feel that the experience was significant in their lives and are willing to move forward and provide care for new children.
If you are interested in being part of our circle, please contact Patti Claire at 818-988-6300, Ext. 212. You can offer new beginnings and make life better for a child in need of support. Thank you.