Peer Coaching
Peer Foster Care Coaching
PURPOSE
Foster Family Alliance of NC (FFA-NC) has developed a Resource Parent peer coaching program to support the needs of families experiencing burnout, placement instability and possible disruption. Licensed Resource Parents, who are actively serving children/youth in their home, can receive additional coaching to provide support to the family specifically. FFA-NC will not provide direct guidance or recommendations about the individual child/ youth case but will encourage the Resource Parent to work in partnership with their private agency, GAL and county social worker. FFA-NC’s hope is to provide support to the family so they will gain confidence, education and encouragement to continue to meet the needs of the child/youth in their home. FFA-NC's peer coaching model is designed to meet families at the moments they are most likely to quit. Experienced foster parents are trained to coach peers through high-stress situations, help them problem-solve, and connect them to practical supports. Flexible funds allow families access to supports or engage in self-care activities when stress is high. Additionally, coaches have access to refer families to short term therapy to address further needs.
FFA-NC will provide individual coaching to families to offer the following:
ONGOING ENCOURAGEMENT
Resource Parents will receive weekly calls from their coach and will be given the chance to vent and problem solve the current situations they are experiencing. Resource Parents will be asked to not share confidential information about the child/youth in their home but to share information about the challenges they are facing as the Resource Parent. Coaches will assist families in recognizing their strengths and needs, promote skill development and encourage families to develop self-care routines.
EMOTIONAL & TANGIBLE SUPPORT
FFA-NC coaches will be available to provide emotional support by being accessible in times of need and listening to the concerns of the family without bias or judgement. Coaches will also recognize times that the Resource Parent may need additional support such as tangible items to assist the family through a difficult period. Tangible supports could come in the form of gift cards, care packages, a prepared meal, or assistance with planning a day trip for the caregivers.
MENTORSHIP
FFA-NC understands the importance of peer mentoring and will provide families with coaches that have experience as licensed resource parents. Coaches will provide solutions to barriers that families are experiencing by utilizing their own personal experience.
EDUCATION & RESOURCES
As families experience various situations in their caregiving journey, they will need various education and resources to support the child/youth in their home. FFA-NC coaches will have access to trainings provided in the FFA-NC network and through fosteringnc.org to promote and educate Resource homes. Coaches will also research various resources that could support the caregiver and family system.
REFERRAL PROCESS
Public/private agency staff can make a referral through the FFA-NC website. All referrals will then be sent to FFA-NC staff for review. If you have any questions about the referral process, please contact Erica Burgess @ support@ffa-nc.org
PEER COACHING REFERRAL FORM
NC LICENSED RESOURCE PARENTS
“My husband passed away in May 2021 and shortly after I took in my relative as an emergency placement. To say that my world was turned upside down is an understatement. I spent a couple of years drowning alone. Then the Foster Family Alliance came into my life. The support resources and knowledge available for us has been life changing. A couple of examples of how FFA supported me through their coaching program: My car broke down and I couldn’t afford to have it towed. But FFA said don’t worry, we got this and provided financial support. On Mothers Day, I was so surprised when a beautiful arrangement of flowers; I have never been sent flowers in my life. After a particularly stressful time in my life. They sent me a gift card for a much-needed and appreciated massage. Additionally, FFA connected me with a therapist to help me to manage my stress and new role as a caregiver.”
“The coaching services that FFA offers has truly helped save the placement of my teenage TFC. Prior to receiving coaching I was strongly considering disrupting. My coach was so supportive and encouraging. She offered different perspectives and insights that helped me change my mindset and helped salvage my relationship with my TFC. We are now closer than ever and wouldn’t even consider disrupting at this point. She provided me with some wonderful pick me ups such as a much needed massage for some self care. I had been neglecting myself and she showed me the importance of taking care of myself in order to better care for those around me. My coach also provided my family with meals when I had pneumonia and was unable to cook for my children. FFA also helped me financially to be able to spend Christmas time with my family. I almost had to cancel the trip to take my foster children to spend the holiday with them. FFA helped pay for our lodging so my foster children and I were able to be with family for Christmas. I am beyond grateful for all FFA has done for my family!”