The purpose of foster care is to give children a reprieve from what was an unsafe living condition, moving them into what the Department of Social Services has deemed to be a safe environment. The word ‘foster’ is synonymous with ‘stand-in’ or ‘substitute.’ So ideally, while this ‘fostering’ happens, long term solutions are being formulated for a child’s well being and permanency.
During May, Foster Care Awareness Month, we are sharing tools originally compiled by Texas CASA to explain foster care to a variety of audiences.
Tools for Children
On the program Sesame Street, children are introduced to foster care through the experiences of a muppet named Karli. Our friends at Texas CASA share that Karli is “living with her “for-now parents,” Dalia and Clem. By introducing young children to Karli and her family, you’re not only helping to normalize the concept of foster care for them early on, but you’re showing them wonderful examples of how to process and talk through complicated issues and feelings.”
You can find additional resources on the Sesame Workshop website to expand your child-friendly dialogue around foster care.
