Collectivism.

It is a concept we don’t often talk about in American society, but it is everywhere.  It is woven into the fabric.

“We the People” says it right there.  We are in this life together, we are in this as one, we are here to support the whole.

The ideas of collectivism, collaboration, and community are central to foster care.

Foster care should not be a tear in the fabric of a family.  Foster care should weave in new threads to support the family.  It is designed to offer strength and healing during a time of vulnerability.

Foster parents must see themselves as extensions of the child’s family, but not a supplement or replacement for the family.  Foster parents expand their lives to wrap around a child, their siblings, their parents, and additional family members to offer care and kindness when people need it most.

Successful foster families step forward and let families know they are on their side.  While the biological family is obtaining necessary supports and finding their footing, foster families are there to allow them to focus on the tasks at hand.  Foster families are there to offer parents continued connection to their children without having to worry, feel overwhelmed, or attend directly to their children.

In the concept of collectivism in foster care, foster parents are there to say “Take the time you need.  Your child will be loved, your family will be respected, and they will be ready when you are strong again.”

Throughout the United States, communities come together to ease one another’s burdens, to find ways to step forward during times of need.  Foster care is exactly that.

If you are ready to be part of something larger than yourself, to step forward and say, “Let me help”, please reach out today.