Foster Care: Involved

A family stands outside on a sunny day.  There are four adults, one of whom is in a wheelchair, and two young teen boys.  They are all smiling and greeting each other.

By: Courtney Edge-Mattos

“It is kind of a lot. I’m not looking to get that involved.”

This was the voice on the other end of the line on Monday.  She was the thirty-seventh call I made, the third to pick up (others received voicemails, texts, or emails).  I sighed. It is true, I thought, fostering is “a lot” but being involved is where the magic happens.

We need people who want to be that involved. 

We need parents to get involved in a child’s education, medical care, mental health support, and social development. 

We need parents involved in ensuring that their children’s identity is affirmed, and they feel welcome to express whoever they are. 

We need parents involved in helping children discover what they love, what they are good at, and what brings them comfort. 

We need parents involved in helping children find their voices and be able to say how they feel and what they need. 

We need parents involved in figuring out what makes a child feel safe. 

We need parents involved in advocating for their child in a room full of people with degrees and expertise, because they know that child.

So, if you are ready to get that involved, we need you.  Please contact us today.  A child is waiting.

@JRISocialJstce

JRI Service Navigator

Do you have a question about JRI services?

Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.