Meant to Shine Foundation

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Foster Care

It is a tremendous privilege to take care of these precious children. They are Gods children and they are the future! Raising children is no easy or obvious task. Especially children who have suffered greatly.

Background

A child is very vulnerable and dependent. Not everyone is able to take responsibility for a precious gift, that is a child. An example can be a teen-mom who is not ready to be a mother and lacks the needed skills, or an addicted mother without a permanent address. Sadly, many times children will suffer abuse by the hands of those who should protect and raise them.

Professional treatment

Placing a child within the structure and safety of a family, having a mother and a father, does a lot of good for the children. But at times more help is needed. Due to trauma, behavioral problems, emotional outbursts like anger or sadness, may be present. Additionally, a child who was born addicted is likely to have trouble concentrating later in life, as well as being agitated easily and having difficulty with eating. Children are incredibly resilient and it is amazing to witness how children are able to cope with the hardest of circumstances. When additional help is needed, we will refer to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Because of neglect, children often lack age-appropriate motor skills and require occupational therapy.

The parent

The goal of foster care is usually for the placement to be temporary and for the child to return to the parent(s). In order for this return to be successful, the parent requires attention as well. Our primary responsibility is to the child, but it is important to help the parent get ready for the child's return. We will do whatever we can to stimulate and assist in this process.
Visitations between the child and parent(s) are always done in collaboration and  communication with the agency that places the child.

Returning home

For a child to be able to return home, many things have to happen. The parent (usually the mother) has to get her life in order and receive and accept guidance. The agency that places the child maintains contact with the parent and ultimately decides when a child is able to return home. When a child is placed voluntarily, we decide together with the parent, and will continue to assist the family after the children returned home.