When a child loses another home, they may hear a message that nobody wants them—even when that was never what the foster parent intended to communicate.

So instead of asking only, “What did this child do to lose their placement?” we should also ask:

“What happened to this child before they ever walked through that front door?”

And we need to ask foster parents another question:

“What support did you have before you reached your breaking point?”

Foster care is not easy for the child.

It isn't easy for the foster parent either.

The goal shouldn't be to blame one side. The goal should be to understand what happened, learn from it, and figure out what can be done differently so the next placement has a better chance of succeeding.

As a foster parent, I’ve seen firsthand how much these young people need—not just a safe home, but someone willing to show up for them, listen to them, encourage them, and remind them that they matter.

That’s why I’m asking my podcast family for your help.

If you believe in what we’re doing and want to help me continue sharing these stories, supporting foster youth, and bringing awareness to the foster-care experience, please consider making a donation.

No donation is too small. $5, $10, $20—whatever you can give can help make a difference.

And if you aren’t able to donate, please share the podcast. Sometimes simply helping someone hear the message can change a child’s life.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. And most of all, thank you for helping us remind children in foster care that they are not forgotten. ❤️ www.joejones.shop

As a foster parent, I’ve seen firsthand how much these young people need—not just a safe home, but someone willing to show up for them, listen to them, encourage them, and remind them that they matter.

That’s why I’m asking my podcast family for your help.

If you believe in what we’re doing and want to help me continue sharing these stories, supporting foster youth, and bringing awareness to the foster-care experience, please consider making a donation.

No donation is too small. $5, $10, $20—whatever you can give can help make a difference.

And if you aren’t able to donate, please share the podcast. Sometimes simply helping someone hear the message can change a child’s life.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. And most of all, thank you for helping us remind children in foster care that they are not forgotten. ❤️ www.joejones.shop

Many children in foster care carry trauma that shows up as anger, fear, or frustration. While we hold them accountable for their actions, we also have to help them learn healthier ways to express those emotions.

The cabinet can be repaired. Helping a child learn self-control, trust, and emotional regulation—that's the real work. That's what foster parenting is all about. (www.joejones.shop) https://www.youtube.com/@JustsewJoeJones

When you purchase one of my handmade bags or pieces of clothing, you're buying more than a unique product—you are helping change a young person's life.

For years, I've been a therapeutic foster parent, and I've seen firsthand what happens when young people age out of the foster care system. Many of them leave with very little support and face challenges that most of us can't imagine. Some need help with clothing, transportation, housing, school supplies, work essentials, or simply someone who believes in them.

That's why I create every bag and every piece of clothing by hand. My business isn't just about fashion—it's about creating opportunities. A portion of every sale goes toward helping foster youth who have aged out of care as they work to build independent, successful lives.

Your support allows me to continue doing what I love while giving back to young people who deserve hope, encouragement, and a chance to succeed.

1. The payment rate is based on a classification system rather than the day-to-day reality of the child's behavior. If the child has not been officially assessed at a higher level of care, the payment may remain at a lower rate.
2. Behavioral needs may have increased over time. A child may have entered care with one set of needs, but trauma, mental health concerns, or developmental issues may become more apparent later.
3. Documentation may be incomplete. Agencies often require behavioral reports, psychological evaluations, incident reports, and treatment records before approving a higher payment level.
4. Rates are set by policy and budget limitations. Foster care reimbursements are often standardized and may not fully reflect the actual time, supervision, and resources required.
5. The reimbursement is intended to cover basic care expenses, not compensate foster parents for every hour of supervision, transportation, therapy appointments, school meetings, or behavioral interventions.
6. Specialized rates may require a separate approval process. Even when a child has significant behavioral challenges, the agency may not automatically increase the payment without a formal review

1. Poor Emotional Regulation

Kids who grew up in unstable homes often never learned how to:

• handle anger
• deal with frustration
• manage stress

So instead of talking about feelings, they may act out through behavior.

2. Lack of Life Skills

Some foster children were never taught basic routines:

• hygiene (showers, brushing teeth)
• cleaning up
• respecting personal space

What feels like “common sense” to adults may actually be new skills they still need to learn.

3. Feeling Powerless

Foster kids often have very little control over their lives—where they live, what school they attend, who they see. Acting out can be their way of regaining some sense of control.

Missing your son while he's away at college is a natural and deeply human experience. It reflects the strong emotional bond and connection you share with him. Here are a few reasons why you might be feeling this way:

1. Change in Daily Life: When your child goes to college, your daily routine changes significantly. You’re used to having them around, hearing their voice, and sharing moments together. Their absence can create a void in your day-to-day life.
2. Emotional Bond: The parent-child relationship is built on years of nurturing, love, and shared experiences. Missing your son is a sign of the deep emotional connection you have with him.
3. Worry and Concern: It’s common for parents to worry about their children when they’re away from home, especially when they’re navigating a new environment like college. This concern can amplify feelings of missing them.
4. Pride and Nostalgia: Seeing your son grow up and take on new challenges can bring up feelings of pride, but it can also remind you of earlier times when he was still at home. Nostalgia for those days can make you miss him more.
5. Adjustment Period: It takes time to adjust to a new phase in life where your child is becoming more independent. During this transition, it’s normal to feel a sense of loss or longing for how things used to be.

These feelings are part of the natural process of adapting to a new stage in your relationship with your son. They also reflect the love and care you have for him.

It's important to approach the topic of foster children with sensitivity and understanding. Not all foster children are violent; however, some may exhibit challenging behaviors due to various factors related to their backgrounds and experiences. Here are some reasons why some foster children might display violent or aggressive behavior:

1. Trauma and Abuse: Many foster children have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect before entering the foster care system. These experiences can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, including difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors.
2. Attachment Issues: Frequent changes in caregivers and homes can disrupt the development of healthy attachments. This can result in attachment disorders, which may manifest as aggressive or defiant behavior as a way to cope with feelings of insecurity or fear.
3. Mental Health Issues: Some foster children may have undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or behavioral disorders, which can contribute to aggressive behavior.
4. Instability and Uncertainty: The instability and uncertainty of being in the foster care system can be very stressful for children. This stress can sometimes lead to acting out as a way to express their feelings of frustration, fear, or sadness.
5. Lack of Coping Skills: Foster children might not have had the opportunity to learn healthy coping mechanisms. They may resort to aggression as a way to deal with their emotions because they haven't been taught or modeled alternative strategies.

1. Age: Older children and teenagers are often harder to place compared to younger children. Potential foster or adoptive parents may prefer younger children, assuming they are easier to bond with and raise.
2. Special Needs: Children with physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges may require more intensive care and support, which can be daunting for prospective foster or adoptive parents. These needs can range from medical conditions to developmental disabilities to mental health issues.

Social workers play a crucial role in society, providing essential services that contribute to the well-being and functioning of individuals, families, and communities. Here are several key reasons why social workers are so important:

1. Support for Vulnerable Populations

Social workers assist vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness. They ensure these populations receive the necessary support and resources, improving their quality of life.

2. Advocacy for Social Justice

Social workers advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity. They work to address and rectify systemic inequalities, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.

3. Mental Health Services

Social workers provide mental health services, including counseling and therapy, helping individuals cope with mental health issues, trauma, and stress. They play a vital role in the mental health care system, often serving as the first point of contact for individuals seeking help.

1. Take a deep breath and count to 10 before reacting.
2. Use a neutral tone of voice and avoid yelling or getting emotional.
3. Acknowledge the child's feelings and try to understand their perspective.
4. Clearly state the unacceptable behavior and explain the consequences.
5. Offer positive reinforcement for good behavior and encourage them to make better choices in the future.