For children and youth in foster care, multiple moves or placement disruptions can have a devastating impact. Each move can exacerbate trauma and behavioral issues—increasing feelings of hopelessness, insecurity, and self-shame. These feelings can extend to caregivers as well.
Aside from preventive pre-placement measures such as thoroughly matching caregiver experience and skills to a child’s needs, what can caregivers do to minimize disruptions?
1. Prioritize relationship
Focus foremost on connection and building a sense of safety and security. Something as simple as creating a safe space for the child or youth to feel seen and heard without judgment can go a long way. Recognizing and affirming a child’s strengths can also help.
2. Be Trauma-Informed
Learn about trauma-informed care and the child or youth’s specific needs. This also includes learning their trauma triggers.
3. Use Professional Help
Advocate for ongoing and comprehensive support and services—including services for yourself as a caregiver.
4. Take Good Care of Yourself
This includes having a strong support system and making time for the things that fill your cup. This might also include support groups, training, and respite care.
Although there will be situations where a placement disruption is simply unavoidable, implementing the above strategies can help ensure you do all you can to make the placement the best and last before permanency.
Recommended Resources
Training From Champion Classrooms
- Before Asking for Removal: How to Prevent a Disruption
- Creating Felt Safety
- Attachment and Bonding – Beyond the Surface
- Connected Parenting: Creating Secure Attachment
- You’ve Tried Everything, Now What? Caring for Teens and Tweens With Big Behaviors
From the Resource Library
Tip Sheets
