What Is a Safety Plan and When Do I Need One for My Family

When new children come into your home, whether as foster children or through adoption, different issues may pop up as you get to know that child. I know we've been down this road numerous times with foster and adoptive placements.

Sometimes a child may have issues or needs that may become a danger or concern to others within the home. This is when a safety plan may be something that a foster or adoptive family needs to consider putting into place. What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is an organized system of rules and guidelines used to supervise and structure time and space, due to the behavior of one or more members of the family. A safety plan is for the safety and well-being of the members who are acting out as well as for the other members of the family, including pets and property.

The need for a safety plan can occur at any time for a foster or adoptive family. We have used safety plans within our foster home and within our adoptive home. As children who have experienced trauma grow and mature, issues can arise that were not issues in the past. Be prepared by learning now when and why to use a safety plan. Then read on and learn how to create a safety plan for your family.

• What Is a Safety Plan?
• How to Create a Safety Plan

One Celebrity Closer to Adopting While the Other Further Ponders the Possibilities

Queen Latifah - The actress shared during an interview with Access Hollywood that she is interested in adopting a child. The forty-one year old said that she would raise her children with morals, values, and God. She also added that she would try to be more like her mom.

Jillian Michaels - Michaels started the adoption process back in 2010, to adopt from the Congo, but she has recently announced on Access Hollywood Live that she has been matched to a little girl - in Haiti! It seems that while the former Biggest Loser trainer was visiting an orphanage in Haiti she fell in love with a little girl. Through what she is calling "the grace of God," she has been matched with that child. Of course, the Haitian adoption process takes time and it could be up to another year before the child comes home. I bet Jillian Michaels is very excited to be one step closer to being a mom.

SOURCES:
Queen Latifah Talks Adoption
Jillian Michaels Adopting Haitian Child: I Fell 'In Love With This Little Girl'

_______________________________

Suggested Reading:

• Adopting a Child from Haiti
• I-600A - Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition
• Definition of an Orphan

Hot Weather May Bring Needed Changes in Hair Skin Care Routines

Change in the weather, often means needed changes in our parenting, especially if we are parenting children with diverse backgrounds and cultures.

It's important to remember the changing needs of children with darker skin tones. This includes skin care and hair care. I have heard many adoptees share how much they love for their adoptive parents, but wish that their new parents had more knowledge about black hair and skin care needs.

We are fortunate to have access to more black hair care information these days. So, hopefully our children will look back at past photos and cringe at the stuff we all cringe about - clothing styles. But, they won't look back and cringe at the lack of proper hair and skin care.

_____________________________

Suggested Reading:
Considering Interracial Adoption
Beat the Summer African American Hair Blues
Skin Conditions and Children of Color
14 Ways to Focus on Culture
How Do You Make Your Child's Birth Culture a Part of Everyday Life?

Foster Care Book Review Finding the Right Spot When Kids Cant Live With Their Parents

Carefully constructed so that the message does not scream out to a child, Finding the Right Spot is a book I would recommend to all foster homes. The story seems to softly reinforce and validate that the child may be experiencing a rough road at the moment. However, there is a soft place to fall and a "right spot" for everyone. A section for caregivers is included at the end of the book and is a wonderful resource and a perfect compliment to the book.

I have used this book when talking with a former foster son. After 16 months in care, he refused to ask questions, speak about being in foster care, or show concern for his future. I decided to give him books about foster care to read. This one was his favorite. I believe it's his favorite not only because the message is a familiar one, but it features a faithful dog. Books can do wonders to open up a conversation with young people.

Another children's book helped me explain adoption to one of my daughter's friends. Have you had a similar experience working with children? Has a book helped start a much needed conversation? Please click "comments" below and share.

Suggested Reading:
Understanding a Child's Grief and Loss
Understanding Abuse and Neglect
How to Create a Connection with Your Foster Child

What Is a Safety Plan and When Do I Need One for My Family

When new children come into your home, whether as foster children or through adoption, different issues may pop up as you get to know that child. I know we've been down this road numerous times with foster and adoptive placements.

Sometimes a child may have issues or needs that may become a danger or concern to others within the home. This is when a safety plan may be something that a foster or adoptive family needs to consider putting into place. What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is an organized system of rules and guidelines used to supervise and structure time and space, due to the behavior of one or more members of the family. A safety plan is for the safety and well-being of the members who are acting out as well as for the other members of the family, including pets and property.

The need for a safety plan can occur at any time for a foster or adoptive family. We have used safety plans within our foster home and within our adoptive home. As children who have experienced trauma grow and mature, issues can arise that were not issues in the past. Be prepared by learning now when and why to use a safety plan. Then read on and learn how to create a safety plan for your family.

• What Is a Safety Plan?
• How to Create a Safety Plan

One Celebrity Closer to Adopting While the Other Further Ponders the Possibilities

Queen Latifah - The actress shared during an interview with Access Hollywood that she is interested in adopting a child. The forty-one year old said that she would raise her children with morals, values, and God. She also added that she would try to be more like her mom.

Jillian Michaels - Michaels started the adoption process back in 2010, to adopt from the Congo, but she has recently announced on Access Hollywood Live that she has been matched to a little girl - in Haiti! It seems that while the former Biggest Loser trainer was visiting an orphanage in Haiti she fell in love with a little girl. Through what she is calling "the grace of God," she has been matched with that child. Of course, the Haitian adoption process takes time and it could be up to another year before the child comes home. I bet Jillian Michaels is very excited to be one step closer to being a mom.

SOURCES:
Queen Latifah Talks Adoption
Jillian Michaels Adopting Haitian Child: I Fell 'In Love With This Little Girl'

_______________________________

Suggested Reading:

• Adopting a Child from Haiti
• I-600A - Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition
• Definition of an Orphan

Hot Weather May Bring Needed Changes in Hair Skin Care Routines

Change in the weather, often means needed changes in our parenting, especially if we are parenting children with diverse backgrounds and cultures.

It's important to remember the changing needs of children with darker skin tones. This includes skin care and hair care. I have heard many adoptees share how much they love for their adoptive parents, but wish that their new parents had more knowledge about black hair and skin care needs.

We are fortunate to have access to more black hair care information these days. So, hopefully our children will look back at past photos and cringe at the stuff we all cringe about - clothing styles. But, they won't look back and cringe at the lack of proper hair and skin care.

_____________________________

Suggested Reading:
Considering Interracial Adoption
Beat the Summer African American Hair Blues
Skin Conditions and Children of Color
14 Ways to Focus on Culture
How Do You Make Your Child's Birth Culture a Part of Everyday Life?