Resources

Fostering Youth

Adolescence can be a difficult time and fostering youth presents its own special challenges.

There are different reasons why youth come into care. In some cases, the parents have problems that make it difficult for them to provide care. Other times, youth – for any number of reasons – may not be able to cope with living at home, or may resist parental authority as they become more independent. Youth who come into care may have behavioural, emotional, drug/alcohol problems or possibly have had trouble with the law.

With the help of foster parents, youth return to their own families or go on to live independently. After the youth reaches the age of nineteen, they like most young people at this age, they will continue to need someone to turn to for advice, support and encouragement.

Specific Considerations for Fostering Youth

  • Foster parents must be secure in knowing themselves, but flexible and patient in explaining other values and views of the world.
  • Youth need an ‘anchor’ while they are developing their own unique identities.
  • Youth require a different style of parenting than younger children. Young children generally accept your help as a foster parent, while youth may be withdrawn or ‘act out’ their anger due to previous negative experiences.
  • Youth have had time to establish their own way of doing things. Foster parents need to recognize this and be willing to for a give-and-take relationship.
  • Youth may not be looking for the traditional parent/child relationship. They may want adult support and guidance in making decision, building self-confidence and positive relationships and learning to trust.
  • You and your foster youth will need to agree on house rules for smoking, drinking ,dating, curfews, and household chores. Explain the reasons for the rules so the youth understands what is expected.
  • Youth may demonstrate insecurity, alienation and loneliness. They may be argumentative or moody.
  • Some youth find relationships with their families improve after they are separated. Others are upset by the separation and may need help in communicating and getting along with their parents and siblings.

Specific Support Services for Youth

You will have ongoing support from your resource worker and the youth ’s worker. They may suggest local parent support services or workshops put on by your local foster parent association.

Your community may provide the following services for youth in care:

  • Peer, alcohol and drug counselling
  • Psychological and mental health services
  • Family mediation services
  • School district special services such as counselling, psychiatric testing and tutoring, and/or
  • Employment training