Reunification is the primary goal in foster care, but saying goodbye isn’t easy. This tip sheet dives into the complex emotions foster parents may feel as a child prepares to reunite with their birth family. It explores reunification anxiety and offers healthy ways to cope with the challenges it brings.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Emotions: Recognizing reunification anxiety in foster parents, birth families, and children and why each may experience mixed feelings.
• Healthy Coping Strategies: Practical ways to manage anxiety, from connecting with support groups to exploring creative outlets and shared parenting techniques.

Download the full tip sheet to explore these insights and find meaningful ways to support reunification for the whole family.

 

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Author: Wisconsin Family Connections Center
Additional Author: Coalition for Children, Youth & Families