Websites
DCFS Virtual Training Center: https://learning.dcfs.illinois.gov
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services provides online access to training for current foster parents, as well as PRIDE training for new prospective foster parents.
DCFS Brighter Futures: www.youthincare.illinois.gov
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is committed to ensuring that all children have safe, loving homes; and that children who come into the department’s care have brighter futures supported by quality services that promote their emotional, academic, social, behavioral, cognitive and physical well-being and development. This link provides available resources to help youth in care.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: www.nctsn.org
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network website is a resource for the public and professionals and others who care about children and are concerned about child traumatic stress.
Family Focused Treatment Association: www.ffta.org
FFTA is the only national, non-profit association that represents treatment foster care programs across North America. Their vision is to be the leader in promoting best practices in family focused treatment services. This link provides information about foster care on a national level.
National Foster Parent Association: www.nfpainc.org
The National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) is a non-profit organization established in 1972 to address the concerns of several independent groups of foster parents and child welfare professionals to provide foster families with opportunities for advocacy, networking, and education.
Books
Nurture Shock: New Thinking about Children, 2009, PO Bronson and Ashley Merryman. Hachette Book Group. Explores why many current strategies for nurturing children are not working due to overlooking the science. Addresses the core themes of how children grow, learn and live.
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, 1999, Sherrie Eldridge. Bantam Dell. Insights from children, parents and other experts with case histories and practical strategies to address the complex emotions in the heart of the adoptive child and in their forever home. Good reading for Foster Caregivers and staff as well.
20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed, 2009, Sherrie Eldridge. Delta Trade. Written by an adoptee, Sherrie shares the narratives and strategies of almost 100 adoptive families to help substitute caregivers gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the children in their charge.