I currently host the Foster Parent Community website and Foster Care Network chat room. We have very interesting guest speakers and all parents are invited to join our chat room. As a foster parent, my experiences have been varied. I work mostly with the children, sometimes with the biological families, and, of course, many, many social workers. Though I have dealt with all ages of children, I find infants and toddlers most rewarding and fun.
Early intervention is paramount.
My husband and I also present a workshop to educators and foster parents on the effects of being prenatally exposed to drugs and alcohol. Dealing with the behaviors that are a direct result of a tumultuous life for a child can be extremely disruptive and challenging. Our children may have mental disorders, can be fire starters, juvenile molesters, runaways, depressed, suicidal, etc. Obtaining appropriate psychological services is quite a feat. Getting social services to recognize these behaviors can be a topic for discussion all of it's own.