Caregiver Survey Reveals Strong Connections

October 24, 2019

Communities Connected for Kids recently asked local caregivers how they think the foster-care system is doing. Their answers show that the local system of care out-performs the rest of the state on several issues.

According to recent survey responses, CCKids performs higher than the state average in areas of caregiver decision-making and case-management communication.

Specifically, responding caregivers reported that their opinions are considered when decisions are made about the children in their home, that they are kept informed by case managers and that they feel appreciated by the child-welfare system.

They also reported that children in their homes receive educational support when requested, that they feel empowered to make parenting decisions and that they are given opportunities to participate in meetings regarding children placed in their homes.

"All of those areas fall well above the state average," CCKids Community Relations Director Christina Kaiser said. "The take-away is that, for the most part, our caregivers feel like a valued part of our community of care."

Areas in the survey where CCKids fell at or below the state average include access to preventive and mental-health services for children, and supports to caregivers to reduce stress.

The survey was part of a contract monitoring review by the state Department of Children and Families.

Surveys were sent to 139 local foster parents, and a maximum of 25 - or 18 percent of all caregivers - responded.

"That's a small piece of our entire network of foster parents," Kaiser said. "But it gives us an idea of how we're doing, where are strengths are, and where we need to improve."

Pictured above is the newly licensed Whitehead foster family, enjoying a Sunday afternoon with their family at KidMania.