Being a Foster Parent is Hard; Family Council Helps – By Tia

I became a foster parent of four siblings within four months.  
 
Working with our children through the foster system has proven to be challenging in multiple ways, including finding resources, experiencing waitlists, building community with local foster parents, and juggling schedules. There are countless doctors’ appointments, screenings, and visits to schedule while also ensuring the children are receiving adequate education and time at home. Fortunately, I have a strong support system and a background in healthcare, so it has been more manageable than it might be for others that lack those experiences.  
 
We are still getting through day by day, but joining the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council has allowed my voice to be heard and has provided me the confidence to begin my own foster support group. We may not have all the answers or resources in our small community, but we have incredible people who are going to fight for our children. I have people to go to when I have questions, whether they are simple or more complex. This Council provides me hope for our children as they grow and allows me to feel I have an impact on our community.