-
Kansas Kids Need You: Foster Care Month & Beyond
Every May, our nation comes together to recognize and celebrate National Foster Care Month. In Kansas, this month is a critical opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role foster and kinship families play in providing safe and nurturing homes for children and youth who have experienced trauma and separation from their biological families. It’s […]
-
Understanding Loss in Fostering and Adoption
A new family member or foster child is such an exciting thing! But it can also mean that your family dynamics look a lot different. Maybe the kids in your home already get along for the most part, but now that there is a new sibling, they may feel like they must fight for parent […]
-
Families Rising: A Powerful Tool for Understanding Our Kids – Barb Clark and the Developmental Quadrant
We are constantly seeking out the best training and resources to support adoptive and foster families across the state. Recently, we had the privilege of attending a training led by Barb Clark of Families Rising, and we were deeply impressed by the practical tools and insights she shared, particularly the concept of the “Developmental Quadrant.” […]
-
Trauma Informed vs. Trauma-Responsive Parenting
When it comes to raising children who have experienced trauma, it is essential to approach parenting in a way that is both informed and responsive to their unique needs. While the terms “trauma-informed parenting” and “trauma-responsive parenting” may sound similar, they actually refer to two distinct approaches to caring for children who have experienced trauma. […]
-
Understanding Trauma-Responsive Parenting in Foster Care and Adoption
Bringing a child into your home through foster care or adoption is an act of profound generosity. Yet, beneath the surface of anticipation and excitement lies a reality often shaped by past traumas. Many children entering these homes have experienced neglect, abuse, separation, or other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that deeply impact their development and […]
-
Helping Children Adjust to Kinship Care
Transitioning to kinship care can be a life-altering experience for children. Whether they’re moving in with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend, these young individuals often face a rollercoaster of emotions. Adjusting to a new living situation while managing the changes in their family structure can be daunting. However, with thoughtful strategies and a […]
-
Understanding Pathways to Adoption
When it comes to expanding families through adoption, many people are familiar with the term “foster-to-adopt.” It conjures images of providing a loving, temporary home for a child while also paving the way for adoption. However, in Kansas, this label can be confusing, as it doesn’t fully capture the distinctions of the two paths available […]
-
Exciting Updates to Our Training Calendar for the Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center and Kansas Caregiver Support Network!
We are thrilled to announce some exciting changes to our training calendar, designed to equip caregivers and adoptive parents with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the unique challenges they face. At the Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center (KPARC) and the Kansas Caregiver Support Network, we believe that continuous learning is crucial for […]
-
Work-Life Balance for Kinship Caregivers: Finding Time for Yourself
Kinship caregivers, often relatives or close family friends, provide vital support to children who cannot remain with their immediate families. While this role is rewarding, it can also be overwhelming. As a kinship caregiver, you juggle the demands of caregiving with your own personal, professional, and social responsibilities. In the midst of all this, it’s […]