One of the many things that surprised me after becoming a foster parent was how few resources there were and what little support there was. Since then, I have discovered several helpful programs for Collin County foster families — from medical coverage to discounted museum tickets.
Note: It’s always a good idea to double check online to make sure that the resource is still accessible because availability changes frequently.
>> RELATED READ :: Foster Care Awareness :: 10 Ways to Support Kids & Families in Foster Care <<
Medical and Training Resources
To become a foster parent, there is general training and several medical requirements, but once in the field, so to speak, we need so many other things. For example, kiddos who have experienced trauma have extra needs from sleep and behavioral to health, and no amount of foster parenting training will make you feel prepared enough for this. Thankfully, there is help available.
It’s also important to learn about support that you can start the child on now that will follow them. For example, set up his or her Medicaid insurance and doctor schedule in a practice that works and transitions well with foster families. Additionally, get the child support and help at school that can follow him or her through the reunification process.
Here are medical and training resources for foster families in Collin County:
Dwell Pediatric Sleep :: remote :: sleep :: Allison Ezell of Dwell Pediatric Sleep is a local, certified pediatric sleep consultant who is also a foster mom. She offers discounted services to licensed foster families and specializes in trauma-informed sleep plans.
Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development :: Fort Worth, online :: training :: Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University offers free resources to families and professionals seeking guidance in working with children who come from hard places. Find free book chapters, videos, and links to counselors.
One Big Happy Home :: in-person, online :: training :: This locally-based couple founded One Big Happy Home to create safe spaces for children. As foster parents, we have attended multiple trainings by this couple in-person. At home, we even invited our extended family to listen to a free trauma basics training together. Find paid and free resources online. They even have a podcast.
>> LISTEN :: The Importance of Attachment :: Episode 106 :: Momfessions Podcast <<
Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence :: Plano :: medical :: It can be difficult to get those three-day appointments scheduled, especially if you don’t have all of the child’s information. The Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence located in Children’s Medical Center is accustomed to that and all the types of paperwork we have to do, too.
Therapy 2000 :: remote :: therapy :: Therapy 2000 provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other therapies. While the home office is located in Irving, practitioners come to you for therapy sessions.
Foster Closets
Typically, foster families get very little notice before a placement call. In fact, the most in-advance notice we’ve had is two days — not a lot of time to get things ready. Clothing is one of those things children need immediately and it can be expensive. Foster closets are amazing resources. Some of them help families in need as well.
Here are foster closets for foster families in Collin County:
Clothes Closet Ministry :: Plano :: Located in Prairie Creek Baptist Church, the closet is open on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. or by appointment for foster families, immigrants, and those in need.
Foster Love Closet :: Wylie :: Located in Gateway Community Church, the closet is open every third Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and by appointment for emergencies and new placements. Join its Facebook group for more information.
Foster Village NTX: The Isaiah Closet :: Bonham :: Appointments and deliveries are available. Check its Facebook page for more information, support groups, events, and more.
>> RELATED READ :: Change the Lives of Foster Kids Without Becoming Foster Parents <<
Support Groups
This is the step I wish we had invested more in upfront. Having support and access to people who understand what you are going through — people you don’t have to explain every acronym to — is invaluable and relieving. It’s just as important to include family and friends in your support system, too.
Embrace Texas :: McKinney :: Embrace provides training and support groups for foster/adoptive moms and dads. There is also the annual moms retreat and family camping experience.
>> RELATED READ :: Foster Care 101 :: Is Becoming a Foster Parent Right for You? <<
Foster Village DFW :: Bonham :: Find trainings, support groups (called caregiver gatherings), and family events. This organization also works with the DFW Angel program that provides support to foster families in Collin County.
Texas Foster Family Association :: Dallas :: There are several local chapters of this group that host support group meetings and provide tons of helpful information.
Entertainment Resources
Some child-focused entertainment places offer discounts to foster families, which is great because we need to get out of the house and distracted a lot. Before you go, double check that the venue still offers the discount and what you need to bring to get it.
Agency Events :: If you are working with a foster care agency, keep up with its newsletter for foster family-friendly events, such as respite nights or family get-togethers.
Museums for All :: Museums for All provides foster kiddos with free or reduced tickets to museums throughout the central United States, and there are several participating locations in Texas. You need to know the child’s SNAP information before signing up.
Perot Museum :: Dallas :: Bring your child’s WIC or Medicaid (STAR Kids) card to the Perot Museum. These qualify him or her for $1 tickets. Caregivers also qualify.
