If you’re a new foster parent entering this world for the very first time, one of the occasions you likely look forward to most of all is getting the call for your first placement. It’s very exciting to know that your first foster child has been placed in your home and will soon be arriving — but it’s also important to contain yourself long enough to make some simple preparations before this happens.

Long-time Bloom supporter Stephen Walker will be returning as the Emcee for this year’s Bloom Ball, marking its 20th anniversary. Stephen, an acclaimed speaker, singer, and realtor, has been a key contributor to Bloom Ball’s success over the years.

After the COVID pandemic, schools are still grappling with the profound impact the last few years have had on the education system. Children in foster care have been especially impacted by these educational challenges. Here’s how to help those kids succeed.

Bloom has taken proactive measures to address their evolving needs by adding meaningful support and training through Bloom University. This program offers trauma-informed and evidence-based training for foster families, foster care staff, birth or adoptive families, and community members who work with children and adolescents.

Like any other child of varying age ranges, foster children may act out or behave poorly from time to time during their care. However, some of the underlying reasons that speak to regular difficult behavior from foster children may be different than for typical children, and it’s important for foster parents to be cognizant of this and factor it into their thinking. 

At the outset, “what makes a good foster parent?” may seem like a silly question. What makes a good foster parent are the same things that make a good parent. Yet, the question still bears answering. Even if the traits that make a good foster parent are the same as those that make a good parent, what are they?