SKSF encourages contact between parents and foster parents based upon the treatment team’s recommendation. Sometimes “Icebreaker Meetings” are scheduled at the beginning of placement to allow the foster parents and parents to meet and focus on the needs of the child. Topics may include foods they like or dislike, interests, routines and other important information that will reduce the trauma and help with the transition into the foster home. Contact with the birth family can reduce anxiety and reduce loyalty issues for children in foster care. There are many levels of contact, which may include:

  • Sending written information about the child or youth.
  • Telephone calls.
  • Face-to-face contact.
  • Inviting and transporting parents to appointments.
  • Coaching on parenting techniques that work for the child.