SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAM: WHAT TO EXPECT

The Substance Use Program at Families First is a system constantly in motion. We offer two levels of support groups tailored to addiction intervention, with multiple running at any given time. These groups are designed to be accessible, informative, and up to date...

WANT TO KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?—KEEP THEM REALISTIC!

Do you ever have trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. Most of us start the year with the best of intentions. But after a few weeks of our best behavior, we sometimes go from “full steam ahead” to “out of gas.” The biggest pitfall with New...

Kris’ Corner – Fallacies of Placement Requirements

Today I’d like to cover a few of the fallacies associated with the home of a foster parent. We’ve all heard this, that and the other about what DCS requires for a foster care license; so, let’s just go ahead and put a few things out there to clarify. I’ll start off...

THE MOST “WONDERFUL” AND “DREADED” TIME OF THE YEAR

By: Jamise Kafoure; Counselor The end of each year inevitably marks a significant “shift” in conversations when counseling clients. I often hear fear, ambivalence, depression, anxiety, dread, and angst expressed within our conversations, as these emotions directly...

Kris’ Corner – Navigating the Holidays with Biological Families

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I want to take a minute to address navigating them with biological families. I’ll be the first to admit that I *might* not have handled our holiday experiences as well as I would have liked. But, I am hopeful that you can (once...

Kris’ Corner – Christmas in Foster Care

I know in a previous post I discussed navigating the holidays with biological parents. Now, I’d actually like to put some thoughts down regarding the holidays in terms of the foster kids themselves. This year, being what it is, we might not all have the large family...

Kris’ Corner – What is TBRI?

So here’s the thing…often people think that kids in foster care cannot respond to love or affection. Many people think “they can’t change” or that their “damage” is permanent. And I am here to tell you that is simply not necessarily true. Kids who have experienced...

Kris’ Corner – When to say no

Here’s the thing…this answer is going to be a different answer for everyone, but when should you say “no” to a possible placement? There are many, many, many reasons to say yes…and for some of you, “yes” will always be the answer, because you have the capacity...

Kris’ Corner – Players to run

So…as a foster parent, you will have a number of different people with whom you have contact…or at the very least, you will know about their place in a case. In addition, there are other individuals with whom you will have contact because of the child…not necessarily...

CONVERSATION TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY TABLE

Even though the holidays may look different this year due to COVID-19, they can still be a time for celebration. As you approach holiday table conversations, please remember that 2020 has been an emotionally intense and overwhelming year for many. So, whether your...