C.A.R.E Help Line 213-269-0000
C.A.R.E Help Line 213-269-0000
Welcome to the Caregiver Support Program, where our services are tailored to ensure caregivers feel acknowledged, heard, and supported at every stage of their fostering journey.
Whether you're just starting out with general questions, seeking peer support during challenging moments, or require an advocate in times of crisis, our dedicated team is here to offer a compassionate helping hand.
Our program is designed to fortify families through family-strengthening services, peer mentorship, and ongoing education from our knowledgeable staff.
Join us in creating a community where caregivers not only survive but thrive, finding solace, guidance, and empowerment for enduring stability within their homes.
Welcome to our Youth Support Program, where targeted services are extended to youth in foster care and adopted youth, ensuring they have a steadfast ally throughout their life's journey.
From skill-building initiatives and personalized mentoring to engaging weekly group hangouts with games and gift cards, our youth support programs are tailored to instill confidence, autonomy, and the promise of a deserving future.
Youth can actively choose to participate or have a family member/trusted adult inquire about services on their behalf. In our belief that it takes a village, we provide the space and platform for youth to cultivate strong, independent, and healthy versions of themselves, fostering stability in both their homes and lives.
Join us in empowering youth to shape their destinies with resilience and confidence.
Introducing our Complex Care Program, tailored specifically for youth in foster care who may struggle with higher needs like trauma, challenging behaviors, and mental health diagnoses.
In the realm of foster care, accepting a placement may not always provide the full picture, leaving caregivers unprepared to address a child's complex behaviors and diagnoses, often leaving them feeling lost or confused.
Our Complex Care Support Program serves as a cutting-edge approach designed to offer additional support for cases with higher needs.
Our very own C.A.R.E Service Specialist, Dr. Melissa Daniels, collaborates closely with the DCFS Placement Stabilization Team, DCFS Therapeutic Shelter Home Team, FURS, DMH, and more to form an advocacy system dedicated to both caregivers and youth in complex care cases.
Through our comprehensive services, families gain access to the education, support, and advocacy needed for a family-strengthening approach to placement stability.
Join us in fostering a community where caregivers and youth receive the specialized attention required for navigating the complexities of complex care cases.
Venturing on the path to discover the support options available to you is a brave first step, and we're here to cheer you on!
We understand that taking this step might feel challenging, but the positive impact it can have on your life is truly remarkable. Your journey doesn't have to be a solitary one.
Take a moment to fill out the form below, and let our caring staff step in to assist you. Together, we can make this journey a bit brighter and more supported.
We stand as the steadfast support system caregivers and resource parents deserve. Our C.A.R.E Line is your direct connection for immediate assistance, addressing your questions, concerns, and advocacy needs in real-time.
With 411 hours in 2023, our dedicated C.A.R.E Service Specialists are committed to understanding and meeting your unique needs, investing their time and energy to ensure you receive the support you deserve. From simple inquiries to critical moments, our CSS are here to assist you.
(If you prefer texting, you can text one of our CARE Service Specialists)
Meet your personal guides on the journey – our C.A.R.E Service Specialists (CSS). They're not just mentors; they're experienced caregivers who've walked the same path you're on.
Trained through the
California Foster Youth Initiative AmeriCorps Program, CSS offers tailored support and expertise:
Our Commitment to You: At Fostering UNITY, we are unwavering in our dedication to providing placement stability and improving outcomes for children and youth. We want to clarify that Fostering UNITY is not a placement agency but rather a facilitator of Purposeful Placements.
A Thoughtful Approach: Purposeful Placements go beyond mere placement assignments. They are meticulously crafted to align the unique needs of children and youth in foster care with families that are not only willing but also best suited to provide an environment for healing and growth. If you're interested in learning more or want to explore potential Purposeful Placements, please reach out to the contact listed in the post. They will provide you with all the necessary information through the placement agency.
Join Our Supportive Community: These Purposeful Placements can be found within our vibrant and supportive Facebook Group. It's a community dedicated to ensuring that every child and youth in foster care receives the personalized care and support they deserve.
*Please note that Fostering UNITY is not a licensing or placing agency. We simply help facilitate placements by posting the need in our group for foster parents/caregivers to see and then contact the appropriate placing agency.
Continuous Learning for Sustainable Growth: At Fostering UNITY, we firmly believe in the power of continuous education as a catalyst for sustainable growth. The more we adapt and learn, the better equipped we are to accept, support, and love each unique youth that comes into our homes.
Parenting: A Unique Journey: We understand that parenting is far from one-size-fits-all. Each youth we care for brings their own set of experiences, personalities, and interests, shaping the type of parenting they need. To be effective caregivers, we need a diverse set of parenting tools in our toolbox.
FKCE Classes: Shaping Knowledge: We take pride in connecting caregivers with FKCE (Foster Kinship Care Education) classes that are essential for their foster journey. These classes equip caregivers with knowledge on a wide range of topics encountered while fostering.
Expert Guidance: Our commitment to education is exemplified by our Executive Director, Dorothy Daniels, and our C.A.R.E Service Specialist, Dr. Melissa Daniels. They frequently lead classes through FKCE, strengthening the bond between service and education.
Addressing Specific Needs: In addition to classes, we also host training sessions throughout the year that focus on topics caregivers have expressed a need to learn more about. This targeted approach allows us to meet the immediate needs of the community and share our extensive experience and knowledge.
A Commitment to Your Growth: We're dedicated to your growth as a caregiver. Through education and training, we aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to nurture and guide the youth in your care effectively. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that sets them on a path to success.d youth in foster care receives the personalized care and support they deserve.
Tailored for families with children aged 0 to 8 years old, this 12-week curriculum, led by Audrey Cruz, focuses on strengthening parenting skills and offering support in the face of life challenges.
Grounded in the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, MPAP equips parents with tools to nurture their children's development while managing personal challenges.
The program includes one-on-one sessions starting January 22nd and weekly virtual discussions from February 2nd, covering topics from self-care to child development.
Completion results in a participation certificate, with goals to improve overall parent functioning, enhance positive parenting behaviors, reduce stress, improve family functioning, and foster social support networks.
Embrace continuous growth in parenting – join us on this transformative journey!
*MPAP is an interactive training and cannot be taken/completed off-screen.
A Warm Welcome
Our "Coffee with Caregivers" virtual support group is open to everyone - whether you're a relative, non-relative, or adoptive family, you're invited to join us. These weekly meetings are designed to provide caregivers with the support they need and create a space for valuable resource sharing.
Connecting Over Coffee
Imagine a cozy virtual space where you can talk, listen, or simply sip your coffee, all while building connections with fellow caregivers. It's a warm and welcoming environment, where the only agenda is to come together and support one another.
Join Us Every Wednesday
We meet every Wednesday at 10:00 am on Zoom. It's a time to unwind, share experiences, and strengthen your caregiving journey with the help of our dedicated host, Faye.
Ready to Connect?
To join us, simply register using the button below. We can't wait to see you at our next "Coffee with Caregivers" meeting. Your cup of coffee, and your support system, await!
Un Espacio para CompartirLa Hora de Charlar es un grupo de apoyo virtual diseñado especialmente para nuestros cuidadores que hablan español. Es un lugar donde los cuidadores pueden reunirse, compartir sus experiencias en el viaje del cuidado de crianza, y brindar consejos y recursos valiosos.
Inclusivo para TodosLa Hora de Charlar está abierto a todos los cuidadores que hablan español. Nuestro objetivo es crear un espacio inclusivo donde puedas conectarte con otros cuidadores que comparten tu idioma y tu experiencia.
Únete a NosotrasTe invitamos a unirte a nosotras todos los lunes a las 12 pm en Zoom. Es una oportunidad para conectar, aprender y fortalecer tu camino como cuidador.
¿Listo para Charlar? ¡Regístrate usando el botón a continuación y únete a nuestra comunidad en La Hora de Charlar! Su experiencia como cuidador merece apoyo y comprensión, y estamos aquí para brindársela en su idioma. ¡Nos vemos pronto!
Winter Wonderland: Where Dreams Come to Life: Our annual Winter Wonderland event is the crown jewel of our family-centered events. Here, we turn the spotlight on our incredible youth, offering them a day filled with wintery wonder and gifts specially wrapped just for them. It's a magical experience that brings smiles and lasting memories to the hearts of these deserving children.
More Than Just Winter Wonderland: Fostering UNITY is all about spreading joy year-round. We partner with community organizations to host special events that celebrate and uplift our youth in foster care and our dedicated caregivers. It's our way of ensuring that every day brings something to look forward to.
A Helping Hand for Resource Families: At each of our events, we set up donation centers, where the community can come together to provide essential supplies like food, diapers, clothes, and more. It's a powerful display of unity in action, showing the support and care we have for resource families.
Join the Circle of Support: Fostering UNITY encourages everyone to join us in these memorable events, strengthening relationships and forging new friendships. We firmly believe that success and love are born from unity.
Want to volunteer, make a donation, or support our events in any way? Reach out to Dayna Freier, Director of Operations, at dayna@fosteringunity.org or (213) 434-0069
We believe that foster parents play a pivotal role in shaping informed, strong, and confident individuals. Our ultimate goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate these vital discussions seamlessly.
Navigating the complex terrain of discussing sexual health and reproductive rights with teens can be daunting, but fear not – Fostering Parenthood is here to guide you through.
Our podcast is more than just a talk; it's a supportive community where we share valuable insights, practical ideas, and trusted resources. Together, we'll tackle the multi-faceted aspects of reproductive health discussions, making them less intimidating and more empowering.
Unlock the full potential of our podcast with these three simple yet impactful strategies for utilizing this resource:
Tune in to Fostering Parenthood and empower yourself to guide the youth in foster care toward becoming well-informed, resilient, and self-assured individuals.
This podcast is brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law, Reproductive Health Equity Project. and Fostering UNITY.
Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.
Embarking on the journey to explore available support options is a courageous first step, and we're here to support and encourage you every step of the way!
Take a moment to complete the Youth Services form below, and let our team step in to become a trusted advocate in your life.
As a youth in foster care, you have the right to assemble a team of trusted adults for support, and we aim to be a valuable part of that team. Our CSS team boasts experience in the foster care system, ready to address your questions, assist in resource identification, connect you with organizations for specific needs, and provide a listening ear.
Feel free to reach out to the C.A.R.E Help Line—it's here for you.
(If you prefer texting, you can text one of our CARE Service Specialists)
Meet your personal guides on the journey – our C.A.R.E Service Specialists (CSS). They're not just mentors; they're experienced caregivers who've walked the same path you're on.
Trained through the
California Foster Youth Initiative AmeriCorps Program, CSS offers tailored support and expertise:
A Tailored Path to Success: Fostering UNITY's "Tomorrows About You" (TAY) is your personal roadmap to success. It offers individual and group mentoring for current and former foster youth, aged 12 to 21. What's more, participants who successfully complete the program will receive a gift card as a token of our appreciation!
What You'll Learn: In both individual and group settings, youth like you will gain essential life skills, including:
Open to Ages 12-21: Our program is open to youth aged 12 to 21, encompassing a range of experiences and needs. We're here to support your unique journey.
Join Us for Group Mentoring: Group mentoring sessions are held on Tuesdays at 7 pm. It's a chance to connect with peers and mentors who understand your experiences and aspirations. For those who prefer individual mentoring, we offer personalized support as requested.
Join us every Tuesday at 7 pm for our vibrant group mentoring sessions – a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and mentors who truly grasp your experiences and aspirations.
In these engaging weekly gatherings, we blend games, exciting prizes, peer interactions, and life-skills development.
Whether you're already part of individual mentoring or not, this is the perfect chance to expand your circle, foster new friendships, and enhance your skills within a larger, supportive group.
If you're unsure about diving into individual mentoring just yet, this is an ideal starting point. Chat with the host, explore the dynamic atmosphere, and discover the myriad opportunities awaiting you for future planning. Your journey toward personal and collective growth starts here!
Thanks to an incredibly generous donor, and our spectacular LA Clippers representative, we've embarked on a journey to create unforgettable moments for youth in care and their devoted caregivers by giving them the chance to attend LA Clippers home games.
If you are a foster parent and have a youth experiencing foster care who would value attending a game, please fill out the interest form by clicking the button below.
Read the stories of people who have benefitted from this collaboration so far!
Curious to explore the possibilities within our Complex Care Program and discover if your family is eligible for our services?
Let's engage in a conversation about your experiences and explore tailored ways to pave a more stable and supportive path for both you and the youth in your home.
Don't hesitate—reach out today to embark on this journey toward enhanced support and stability!
Our Complex Care clients are welcome to still use the C.A.R.E Help Line for general support and advocacy. If needed, they will be transferred to our Complex Care Team for further assistance.
(If you prefer texting, you can text one of our CARE Service Specialists)
Dr. Melissa Daniels, a C.A.R.E Service Specialist and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, leads our Complex Care Team.
With extensive knowledge and experience, she ensures caregivers and youth receive specialized support. Dr. Daniels understands the unique complexities of your journey and offers guidance, education, and support.
Our program provides individualized mentoring and support services, tailored to caregivers and youth's specific needs, with a dedicated team for ongoing assistance, advocacy, and stability.
Please Note: Dr. Daniels DOES NOT offer therapy, counseling, or medical/psychology services. She utilizes her education and experience to enhance her role as a C.A.R.E Service specialist and team lead for our Complex Care Program.
We invite caregivers who are navigating the challenges of higher-need placements through the DCFS Placement Stability Team (PST) Program or the DCFS Therapeutic Shelter Home (TSH) Program to join our weekly support group. Each meeting is expertly crafted to address the common situations, behaviors, and diagnoses that you may encounter in these specialized placements. This group is not open to FURS families at this time.
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