They do this when they provide children with physical comfort, safety, and security. When they help children handle their feelings about separation. When they ease that separation by allowing children to keep as much of their past as possible. When they help children to know who they are by allowing them free expression of their mixed feelings. When they help children sort out these feelings by talking about them.
Foster placement is successful when children begin to feel even a little better about themselves.
Every time a frightened, withdrawn child begins to trust, every time a child is helped to make some sense of his or her life, every time a child feels safe enough to go out to enjoy the good things of life, the foster parents have a right to feel proud and to experience a measure of success. No one can guarantee anyone an untroubled life. No one can provide another with happiness. But in foster care there is an unparalleled opportunity to help children overcome their disadvantages and become reasonably happy, functioning adults. The agency hopes you will experience much success in your role as Professional Parents .