How to Help a Foster Child :: Part 2 Mother's Day Edition

 

 

 

 

We know, intuitively and empirically, children fair better when their care-givers are happy, healthy and supported by their community. As we approach Mother's Day weekend, we offer suggestions to help foster children by encouraging the amazing ranks of foster moms -- women who are dedicated to young people rebuilding and healing from abuse.

How To Help a Foster Child :: Part 1

 

We've collected unique ideas to help children in care, acts of kindness that are easily implemented and yet have a long-term impact. Not everyone can be a foster parent, but that doesn't mean you can't still help a foster child in a profound and life-way.

 

What to expect when reporting abuse

Once you have seen the signs of abuse, it is time to take action. Reporting can be an uncomfortable choice, but a necessary one. Many people don’t know what to expect after they have picked up the phone to make the report, making the process that much more difficult.

Making the call
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. A crime is being committed and as an adult it is your obligation to report abuse on behalf of the victim – the child. Once you’ve called, you’ll be asked to provide the location and the situation. You do not need to provide your contact information, and if you fear retribution you should alert the operator. Here in Missouri, the law protects the identity of the caller when reporting child abuse. And, when the report is being investigated the person remains protected.

In Missouri, the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline can be reached at 1-800-392-3738. By calling the hotline, a case will be opened and an investigation will be initiated. Again, the process is anonymous for the reporter. We do not have a partnership with the hotline, though through the Foster Care Case Management contract that with the state of Missouri, when children come into care through the hotline, their cases are assigned to one of several agencies, CFMA being one.

 

Our Resources for Families in Need

Ideally, Child Abuse Prevention begins before a family crisis begins. If you know of a family in St. Louis County that is struggling and would benefit from outside observer, consider suggestion our program Family Solutions for Kids. The  specialized program was created specifically to help families working through conflict, to stem domestic abuse.