Roseanne's Advice for Foster Parents
Roseanne and her husband Anthony have been foster parents with Savio since 2006. During this time they have provided temporary homes to over 20 teenagers working to address their mental and behavioral health.
Roseanne and Anthony specifically chose to support teenagers because they felt like this was the age where they could have the most impact. Roseanne had experience in mental health and substance use with teens. Anthony had worked supporting youth involved in the justice system. The teens that the couple support are a part of Savio Treatment Foster Care, meaning that they have been placed because of concerns for their behaviors.
Roseanne enjoys this age because they are old enough to understand that they need to make a change, and with the right support they can begin to work towards being strong and self-sufficient. And a foster parent can be that support.
Roseanne’s Things to Remember about Foster Children
They are scared.
They need a safe, calm, and caring home. Something that they have probably never had before.
You just have to show them that you care.
They are just kids.
Caring for teens can be challenging, especially teens with behavioral health concerns. Roseanne and Anthony have had their fair share of challenges over the years. Roseanne pointed to a specific time when she struggled to connect with one of the teen boys in her care. It is common for children to connect more with one of their foster parents over the other. This particular boy was incredibly reactive any time they would have a positive interaction, getting aggressive for seemingly no reason. He felt like he was betraying his mother by getting close to his foster mother.
Rossanne’s Advice to Foster Parents
Take care of yourself.
Use your resources.
You are the parent, take the word foster out of it. Treat them as you would want someone to treat your own child if they were in a similar situation.
With each challenge, comes the opportunity to completely change a child’s future. Roseanne and Anthony have supported children through some of the most important times in their life. And the children remember this impact. The family recently had a former foster child come by, she had gotten her GED and wanted to show them. She said without them, she never would have gotten there.
Rossanne’s Advice to Foster Children
You might feel scared, coming into a home that you don’t know, with people you have never met before. It might be hard to trust them. We want to make this safe space for you and us as well. We are trusting you.
Rosseane and Anthony, and all of the foster parents at Savio have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child who just needs safety, stability, and consistency. If this is something that you would be interested in, you can read more about the process of becoming a foster parent here.
In honor of Foster Parent Appreciation Month, make sure to say thank you to any parents that you may know who are providing temporary homes to children when they need it the most.