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Upcoming Events

CARE meetings provide foster parent fellowship and support and include dinner and childcare. In addition to building supportive community, CARE meetings help foster families earn their continuing education credits while learning about best practices and skills to help them be the best advocate for their foster child. 

 

Meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month 6:00 – 7:30 at First Baptist Waynesboro.

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August 26th, 2025

Starting Strong: What I Wish I Knew as a New Foster Parent

Seasoned foster parents share day‑one wisdom and practical tips.

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Tangible Tools:

  • “First 30 Days” Tip Sheet

  • Community Contact Card

  • Foster Care FAQ Handout

 

Guest Speakers:

  • Foster Parent Panel (1–2 experienced families)

  • DSS Placement Coordinator

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Behavior is communication - learn to interpret and respond with care.

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Tangible Tools:

  • ABC Chart (Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence) Worksheet

  • “What’s Really Going On?” Cheat Sheet (Trauma vs. Typical Behaviors)

  • Role-Play: “What do you do when your child flips a chair?”

 

Guest Speakers

  • Child Therapist or Behavior Specialist Trauma-Informed Parenting Coach

September 30th, 2025
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Understanding Behavior ≠ Fixing Behavior

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October 28th, 2025

Partnering with Biological Families: Boundaries, Empathy & Safety

Strategies for healthy co‑parenting and supporting reunification.

 

Tangible Tools:

  • Co‑Parenting Script Handout

  • Bio‑Family Contact LogScript Examples (calls, boundaries)

  • Child Letter Templates

  • Role‑Play Activities

 

Potential Partners: Family Engagement Specialist, Therapist, Peer Mentor Foster Parent

Guest Speakers

  • Reunified Parent or Bio/Foster Parent Panel CASA or DSS Family Engagement Specialist

2026

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Tips for effective communication and documentation.

 

Tangible Tools:DSS/GAL Roles Cheat Sheet, Case Communication templates, Foster Parent documentation log 

 

Guest Speakers

  • DSS Supervisor or GAL, CASA Representative

January 28th, 2026

 

Building Relationships with Your Social Worker & GAL

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February 25th, 2026

 

Connection that Heals: Attachment, TBRI & Creative Play

Explore trust-based caregiving through play & bonding.

 

Tangible Tools:

  • Take‑Home Connection Kit (affirmation cards, love languages guide)

  • Connection Calendar (30-day bonding activities)

  • Feelings Card Deck


Guest Speakers

  • Certified TBRI Practitioner or Therapist, Play Therapist

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Discuss burnout, disruptions, grief & where to find support.

 

Tangible Tools:

  • Crisis Prevention Checklist

  • Self-Care & Support Planning Worksheet

  • Disruption Readiness Guide


Guest Speakers: Foster Parent with Disruption Experience, Clinical Social Worker or Therapist

March 25th, 2026
 
When Things Get Hard: Managing Crisis & Asking for Help

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April 29th, 2026

 

Advocating in Systems: From IEPs to Court

Learn to advocate in school, DSS, and courtroom settings.

 

Tangible Tools:

  • IEP & School Advocacy Guide

  • Court Day Prep Sheet

  • Email & Documentation Templates
     

Role-Play: “What do I say at the next FPM?”

Guest Speakers: Special Education Advocate Juvenile Court Judge or GAL, DSS Edu Liaison

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A celebration with dinner, resources, and connections.

 

Tangible Tools:

  • CE Credit Certificates

  • Summer Resource Guide

  • Gift Bags + Child-Friendly Stations


Guest Speakers:

  • Alumni Foster Youth

  • DSS Director or Community Champion

  • Local Nonprofit Partners

May 27, 2026

 

Foster Parent Celebration + Community Resource Night

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