By Carol Jones
The entire family can be excited about a new foster child becoming part of the family. In time the foster child will be glad to know your family.
It is important that the meetings with the child go slow and only a few people at a time should be present. Family members don’t have to know all about the foster child’s background, but it might be nice to warn them if the child has certain characteristics the family might not understand. An example is a child with autism that does not make eye contact and may not like to be touched. Sometimes a child with autism will have a strong reaction to being touched and may fall to the floor, or scream or say hurtful things, all because the child is afraid.
Let the first visits be small family get-togethers without making the foster child the center of attention. Let the child approach different family members as they feel comfortable. They will have time to get to know the family.
