Parents
Providing training, resources, and support for parents.
The Child Welfare System is a complex system with a lot of moving parts and pieces that can be challenging to understand. In order to help strengthen families in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties, Heartland for Children has compiled helpful information to help parents successfully navigate the Dependency System.
You have a Voice, You are not Alone, and there is Support!
8 Advocacy Tips For Parents
Build a
Supportive Network
Connect with other parents who have or are navigating the foster care system. They can offer invaluable advice, support, and resources. Consider seeking support from community organizations that specialize
in family advocacy.
Communicate
Effectively
When communicating with child welfare professionals, be clear, concise, and assertive. Express your concerns, ask questions, and request explanations for decisions that affect your family. Always keep records of your communications.
Participate
Actively
Attend all meetings and court hearings related to your child's care. Your presence demonstrates your commitment to your child's well-being and your desire to be involved in decisions regarding their care.
Communicate Effectively
When communicating with child welfare professionals, be clear, concise, and assertive. Express your concerns, ask questions, and request explanations for decisions that affect your family. Always keep records of your communications.
Participate
Actively
Attend all meetings and court hearings related to your child's care. Your presence demonstrates your commitment to your child's well-being and your desire to be involved in decisions regarding their care.
Work in
Partnership
While it may be challenging, maintain a positive relationship with your case manager, child's foster caregivers and the other professionals involved. They play a significant role in your child's life, and working
together can lead to better outcomes for your child.
Stay Focused
on Your Child
In all interactions and decisions, keep your child's best interests at the forefront. Advocating for your family means prioritizing your child's safety, well-being, and happiness.
The
Dependency
Process
The Dependency System is a complex system with a variety of moving parts and pieces. Check out the following resources to better understand how the system works.
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Comfort Calls - A Comfort Call is a phone call made by the investigator/case manager and foster caregiver(s) to the birth parent(s) once the child arrives at the foster home. Learn about the benefits of Comfort Calls in the video below.
Join the
Parent Advisory Council!
Our Mission
We are dedicated to elevating the voices of parents with lived experience in the child welfare system. Through education, advocacy, and partnership, we work alongside child welfare professionals to create a stronger, more supportive system for families in our communities.
What We Offer:
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A supportive community of parents with lived experience
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A platform where your voice is heard and valued
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Monthly virtual meetings
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Opportunities to share your story through podcasts, case management trainings, investigator discussions, and child welfare conferences
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Collaboration in hosting the annual Reunification Celebration
“The PAC is an outlet for me to participate in my recovery and helps me to see the changes I am making in others lives as well as my own. It makes me a better mom and person and shows me what I want to do in my life.”
Reba, PAC Member
"Being a part of the PAC has given me validation that my voice and my story does matter! It’s given me a sense of self-worth and I absolutely love being able to share my story with as many people who are willing to listen and to help educate others!”
Brooke, PAC Member
“Being a PAC member has helped me be able to speak my truth & be more open. I used to struggle with speaking to big groups and now I can do it with ease and comfort. I've been able to develop healthy relationships and I'm more confident with myself.”
Allie, PAC Member
This vital service connects millions of people to help every year. To get expert, caring help, simply call 211 or visit 211.org
Have a problem with alcohol? A.A. has a simple program that works. It's based on one alcoholic helping another.
Offers Free Parent Support Groups for parents, grandparents or guardians of teens, young adults, LGBTQIA+, Parent Support for Families of Color, El Grupo de Cuidores en Espanol and Neurodivergent youth.
Find Help
Looking for resources or programs near you? Visit heartland.findhelp.com for a searchable database–simply enter your zip code to find programs and services near YOU!
Heartland Area Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
Hope Florida connects people to local resources through a caring Hope Navigator who helps create a personalized path toward stability and independence. Support is available for single parents, youth aging out of foster care, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and more.
Get important and helpful information to help you navigate Medicaid.
Call 863-812-3715 to connect with our local Recovery Hopeline that was put in place so that whenever you’re in need of a listening ear, help finding services, or feel like you want to pick up, you can give us a call and let us help you the best that we can.
Empowers single parents by unlocking their emotional, spiritual, and physical potential. Through our tailored programs and nurturing community, we address and embrace their unique needs and challenges, transforming adversity into strength – guiding families and their children on a path toward healing and sustained success.
Treatment Rehab Centers in Florida
Start your recovery and get connected to help near you.
United Way's Children's Resource Center
This community-based learning and resource center provides classes, playgroups, workshops, developmental checkups, community activities, and support for parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6, as well as for expectant moms and dads. They strive to make childhood a happy, healthy, and wholesome experience for every child and parent in Polk County.
United Way's Food Distribution
Find mobile food pantries throughout Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties.
Check out our Resource Page with a comprehensive list of the providers we work with to serve children and families.
