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.

Bloom received the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator, which illustrates our commitment to accountability and highlights how we pursue our mission in a fiscally responsible way. This designation means that we exceed industry standards and outperform most charities. Only one-quarter of evaluated charities receive this distinction.

With a record-breaking attendance of nearly 600 people, this year’s Bloom Ball was the most successful event yet, raising substantial funds for Bloom’s programming and the children we serve. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed stunning views of ocean life as part of the Georgia Aquariums’ Oceans Voyager and Beluga Whale exhibits. They were also entertained…

While the holidays are typically thought of as a warm and bright time of the year, especially for children, there are some cases where this is a more difficult period for foster children. As a foster parent, however, there are several approaches you can take to make this a fun, inviting season rather than something that brings up bad thoughts or memories.

A child’s well-being and success is often linked to family stability. That’s why the new Bloom Family Resource Center will focus on assisting families in crisis by improving parenting and building positive family relationships.

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.