Reunification Challenges and the Impact on Foster Parents: Navigating the Transition. Reunification can instill fear in foster parents, as they have welcomed a child into their home and wholeheartedly invested their love in them, only to witness the child being reunited with their biological family. Despite the primary objective of Foster Care being reunification, it doesn’t imply that foster parents don’t form emotional attachments.
What is reunification?
Reunification is a critical goal in foster care, aiming to reunite children with their biological families (could be grandparent or other family member besides bio parents) whenever possible. While it is a positive outcome, this process can bring about significant challenges for both the children and their foster parents. In this blog post, we will explore the complexities of reunification, the obstacles faced by foster parents, and the importance of support during this transitional period.
Reunification Challenges Faced by Foster Parents:
Returning children to their biological families after a period of foster care can present several difficulties for foster parents. Here are some common challenges they may encounter:
- Attachment and emotional bonds: Foster parents often develop deep emotional connections with the children in their care. Reunification can disrupt these attachments, leading to feelings of loss and grief on the part of the foster family and the foster child.
- Uncertainty and fear: Foster parents may feel anxious about the future well-being of the children once they return to their biological families. Concerns about stability, safety, and the quality of care can be overwhelming. You may have heard horror stories from the child about what went on and you fear the the child’s well beings.
- Communication and involvement: Foster parents may experience difficulties in maintaining open lines of communication and involvement with the children and their biological families during the reunification process. The bio-family may go no contact on to you, or they could welcome you as an extended part of their family. I have seen it both ways.
- Coping with change: Adjusting to the change in household dynamics and routines can be challenging for foster parents, especially if they have cared for the child for an extended period. The children may become difficult to manage because they do not know how to deal with their feelings. They often want to go back home to their bio-family, but they also may feel more protected in the foster home. Big feelings for an already traumatized child.
Supporting Foster Parents during Reunification:
Recognizing the impact of reunification on foster parents is crucial. Here are some strategies and support services that can help them navigate this transition effectively:
- Comprehensive training and education: Providing foster parents with training and resources on reunification challenges and strategies can better prepare them for the process. It’s recommended to take classes on how to help the child transition back to their families. Trauma informed care is something that isn’t taught enough.
- Therapeutic support: Offering access to counseling and therapy services can assist foster parents in coping with the emotional impact of reunification. You may need to seek therapy for yourself and your own biological children. Letting go can be HARD!
- Peer support networks: Facilitating connections between foster parents who have experienced reunification can create a support system where they can share experiences and advice. In an earlier blog post I recommended setting up a mentoring program. This would match seasoned foster parents with our newly licensed parents. It would be a great resource.
- Post-reunification services: Continued support and check-ins after reunification can be vital for foster parents as they adjust to their new roles and maintain relationships with the children and biological families. Serving as a resource to that new mother or offering respite to the family is a great way to keep the door open between the two families. It takes a village to raise a child sometimes.
Reunification is a complex and challenging process for both foster parents and the children involved. Foster parents play a crucial role in supporting children during their time in care, but they also face unique difficulties when children return to their biological families. Providing comprehensive support services, education, and resources can help foster parents navigate these challenges successfully, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the children and fostering a more inclusive and supportive foster care system.
Sources:
- FosterClub: “Reunification”
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Reunifying Families: What Works”. https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/child_law/plummer-reunification-training.pdf
- The Chronicle of Social Change: “Understanding the Impact of Reunification on Foster Parents”
- National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning: “Reunification Practice Framework: What Are the Core Ingredients?”
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Post-Reunification Services”
- National Foster Parent Association: “Reunification: The Journey Home”
