SECTION XIX: FOSTER CARE

Therapist’s Overview

I WANT TO GO HOME

GOALS OF THE EXERCISE

1. Identify thoughts and feelings about placement.

2. Recognize and acknowledge desire for reunification.

3. Develop action plan to achieve reunification.

ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO FOSTER CARE

• My Safe Place Page 19

• A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words (just pictures 1−3) Page 215

• Creating a Positive Outlook Page 227

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS IN WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL

• Adoption

• Blended Families

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH THE CLIENT

Foster care placement occurs for a variety of reasons. The following exercise can be used with families in which the goal is for reunification of children with family members. It is designed for children and their parent(s) or legal guardian whom they will be reunited with once out of foster care.

EXERCISE XIX.A

I WANT TO GO HOME

This exercise is designed for families who are planning to reunite after experiencing foster care placement. The first part is only for the teens and preteens who have been in placement. The second part is for the family as a group to complete. The last part is for each member to complete individually and then to be shared with the family as a whole.

FOR THE TEEN/PRETEEN IN FOSTER CARE TO COMPLETE

FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS TO COMPLETE

List the pros and cons to being reunited.

Pros	Cons
______________________________	______________________________
______________________________	______________________________
______________________________	______________________________
______________________________	______________________________
______________________________	______________________________

FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TO COMPLETE ABOUT HIMSELF OR HERSELF

In order for me to be united with _____

I need to do the following:

1.

2.

ONE MORE IDEA

1. Identify some older adults who may have experienced foster care during their youth. Ask them if they feel that the foster care has helped them in their new life.