Blog Archives by Date Blog
June is National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of reuniting children with their biological families whenever it is safe and possible.
Join us in supporting kids in foster care as they head back to school! We're excited to be partnering with Jockey Being Family to host a Back to School Bash in July. Therefore, we're kicking off a school supply drive and we need YOUR help to ensure every child starts the year with the tools they need to succeed.
Over 15 years ago, the Prestridge Family started their foster care journey. Barbara shares her inspiration, "I wanted to make a difference in each life. A stable home where [children] can feel safe and loved at all times." Read about their journey.
Welcome to our ultimate guide for summer resources and fun for families in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties! As the sun shines brightly over central Florida, there's no better time to explore the plethora of activities and opportunities these vibrant communities have to offer. Whether you're looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, educational programs for the kids, or relaxing family-friendly spots to beat the heat, our comprehensive list will ensure your summer is filled with unforgettable memories
Just 3 years ago, the Goddard family began their foster care journey. Not only have Tiffany and Jason provided a safe and loving home for the children in their care, but they have also fostered a strong, supportive relationship with the biological family.
Join us in celebrating the families who have stepped up to foster, spreading awareness, learn about becoming a foster parent yourself. Every child deserves a loving, supportive environment to grow and thrive in.
My wife, Joy-Lynn and I became Foster Parent Mentors (FPM) through Heartland for Children in 2012. When we were approached with the opportunity to be an added support for incoming Foster Parents, we jumped at the opportunity because we saw the value in having someone who other Foster Parents could relate to as being an invaluable resource; especially, if the individual(s) were completely new to the fostering and/or parenting experience.
As FPMs through Heartland, we've had the chance to interact with incoming Foster Parents on many levels including assisting with respite, providing guidance or best practices with difficult behavioral issues, advocating for a child who had to be moved from one home to another, making recommendations on working with case management, providing another vantage point through the process of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and many other areas that Foster Parents can encounter during their first and continuing years of child advocates.
What we've gained as FPMs is a heightened level of understanding of how important it is to identify the needs of incoming Foster Parents. Being able to make recommendations on how the training component has and can continue to successfully equip incoming parents with the proper training and education; is a value add that Heartland has really welcomed input on.
Cebien Alty - HFC Foster Parent, Foster Parent Mentor