Complex Kids Need Specialized Care: Children who Join Families through Adoption Have Specific Medical Requirements

Eyal Dagan and Chris Poore’s children are thriving. Seven-year-old Sam just competed in his second golf tournament, while his 6-year-old sister Bella is busy exploring her passions of fashion, art and dance. Both children were adopted by the couple and as with any family, they’ve had their ups and downs — including medical challenges with […]

Four Tips on How to Give Back When Your Heart is in the Right Place, But Your Wallet Isn’t

Increased gas prices and larger grocery bills — it’s hard to miss the signs of inflation. Charities and nonprofits are also facing these rising costs while also seeing higher demand for their services. At Arizona Helping Hands, we provide essentials to foster families at no cost to them. This means we rely on donations from […]

Feeling Seen, Heard and Understood Are Important for Children in Foster Care

What is bonding?The terms “bonding” and “attachment” are often used interchangeably. Bonding is the initial process of forming a connection. This connection can occur between a caregiver and child, friends, colleagues and others, through common interests, work, roles and similarities in cultural practices and experiences. For example, employees hired and trained at the same time, […]

A Fine Balance: Overcoming the Challenges of Communication About Adoption and Foster Care

Communication norms between the adoptive parent and the child they have adopted or are fostering has evolved over the years. In the past, parents often didn’t share openly about the child’s history, but today, communication about foster care and adoption journeys is much more open, with families offering information about birth families and the child’s […]

A Guide to Kids’ Digital Well-Being

Resource parents and kinship caregivers play a vital role in guiding and protecting the children they care for. In today’s digital age, social media, online bullying and excessive screen time pose unique challenges for children affecting mental health, physical health, learning development, their ability to focus and how they form relationships. Children might already have […]

Fostering Emotional Wealth

In a recent TEDx Talk, I spoke on the importance of having a benevolent witness to our stories. Someone who will not, as John Bradshaw said, “shame us for our shame.” I cannot share my story without first sharing my shame message. Simply put, I am not wanted.While some of you may have an intellectual […]

Healing Trauma: Choosing Effective Therapies

In 2021, a new client came to Grace’s therapy practice who had been in foster care as a youth. By most measures, she was a success story. She had earned a degree that led to secure employment. She was a loving wife and mother who participated in her church community and PTA. However, underneath a […]