With Restore, we are expanding our view of what could be possible in foster care! A holistic understanding of foster care is essential to love and support the families affected. There are many beautiful outcomes to foster care, and we celebrate many “wins” for kids affected. While many kids will reunify with their families, they often lack ongoing support. Foster families that understand the greater context of foster care and God’s heart for them will be equipped to partner in this work. We want to see more families reunify and stay reunified! We want to see adoptive families thrive. We want to widen our view of foster care and pursue the many ways that God’s people can work towards the health and flourishing of kids and family. Over 5 weeks, we will cover the following topics to this end:
5 Week RESTORE Training
Week 1 - GOD'S HEART + FOSTER CARE
God's Heart + Foster Care
In week one, we will talk about who God is, his love for people, and how this directly informs our response to foster care. Common oppositions to getting involved are removed as barriers when we see God’s power, love, and compassion as it relates to foster care. God deeply loves the kids and families affected by foster care and wants to bring restoration to their lives. We are invited to partner in the work God is doing!
Week 2 - UNDERSTANDING THE SYSTEM
Understanding the System
“The system is so broken!” is a phrase often heard around the world of foster care. Understanding how the system works and why things are designed the way that they are, helps us partner with a child’s team for their flourishing. We will discuss the different roles within foster care, possible foster care timelines, and how foster parents can be incredible advocates and team members for the child(ren) they are fostering.
Week 3 - THE LENS OF TRAUMA
The Lens of Trauma
Trauma endured by children in foster care is real and has lifelong effects, and unfortunately, they are not the only ones impacted. Biological parents have almost always endured trauma leading up to their child’s removal. Professionals experience secondary trauma and compassion fatigue. Case Worker turnover rate is extremely high. Foster parents understanding trauma and how it impacts all parties, including themselves, will directly impact (1) their commitment to children and families and (2) their ability to walk through the foster care process.
Week 4 - CONTEXTUALIZING FOSTER CARE
Contextualizing Foster Care
Foster Care does not exist in isolation. Bigger, deeper, and often generational issues are what lead children to enter foster care. Most commonly: drug addiction, familial incarceration or crime, racial disparity, or family cycles of neglect and abuse. By looking closely at these realities, we will better understand why there are so many children in care. We will focus on identifying systemic issues that are tied to foster care, and how we can partner in preventative efforts. There are so many ways to engage foster care from caring for those already there, to helping prevent many from ever entering the system!
Week 5 - PRACTICAL WAYS TO SUPPORT REUNIFICATION
Moving Forward
It can be overwhelming to see the severity of need, the reality of the crisis, and scary statistics. What can I really do that makes a difference? This week, we will discuss practical next steps and how we can play a role in caring for kids and families affected by foster care. We will focus on how we can practically and healthily support biological families, celebrating the many “wins” of foster care, and very practical ways to maximize our relationships with kids and families.
RESTORE Details
Location
Mosaic Church
12675 Research Blvd,
Austin, TX 78759
Dates
January 15, 2020 - February 12, 2020
Wednesdays
6:30-8pm
Email Questions
info@restorationcollective.org