News & Library
Keep up with the latest news about Firefly Children and Family Alliance, from recent announcements to new programs and services
Kris’ Corner – Holidays and Birthdays Are Not Always Joyful
I already discussed how holidays can look with the addition of (or at least acknowledgement of) biological parents and the inclusion of foster children in the foster family festivities. But, we still have a whole year of other holidays and birthdays in front of us....
Kris’ Corner – The Adoptable Child Who is Not Adopted
Sometimes, a child is placed in the home and it seems like he is a perfect fit into the family. But as time goes by, and his case plays out and he becomes legally free, the foster family does not adopt him. Why is that? I am sure that for people who have not yet...
TIPS TO MAINTAIN SOBRIETY OR SUPPORT SOMEONE IN RECOVERY
Some Americans are trying a new resolution this month: Dry January, a month-long break from alcohol with the goal to improve health. Others are working on long-term sobriety. If you fall somewhere in the continuum of abstinence, here are some tips for staying the course.
SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAM: WHAT TO EXPECT
The Substance Use Program at Families First is a system constantly in motion. We offer two levels of support groups tailored to addiction intervention, with multiple running at any given time. These groups are designed to be accessible, informative, and up to date offering evidence-based intervention techniques. We encourage our clients to address their needs and goals by offering a supportive, trauma-informed approach to recovery.
WANT TO KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?—KEEP THEM REALISTIC!
Do you ever have trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions?
You’re not alone. Most of us start the year with the best of intentions. But after a few weeks of our best behavior, we sometimes go from “full steam ahead” to “out of gas.”
Kris’ Corner – Fallacies of Placement Requirements
Today I’d like to cover a few of the fallacies associated with the home of a foster parent. We’ve all heard this, that and the other about what DCS requires for a foster care license; so, let’s just go ahead and put a few things out there to clarify. I’ll start off...
THE MOST “WONDERFUL” AND “DREADED” TIME OF THE YEAR
The end of each year inevitably marks a significant “shift” in conversations when counseling clients. I often hear fear, ambivalence, depression, anxiety, dread, and angst expressed within our conversations, as these emotions directly relate to the upcoming holidays. The central theme of these discussions is either “loss” or “change” of some type.
Grief and loss can knock our legs out from under us when we least expect it. These feelings can come from the death of a loved one, change of a relationship, or fear due to loss of job/income and how to provide for our families. These feelings can also come from the separation of family members who live far away, or simply the inability to cope with the media and all the hype surrounding this “joyful” time. Unfortunately, there is no “normal” or simple formula that helps one manage their feelings of grief and loss.
Kris’ Corner – Navigating the Holidays with Biological Families
With the holidays rapidly approaching, I want to take a minute to address navigating them with biological families. I’ll be the first to admit that I *might* not have handled our holiday experiences as well as I would have liked. But, I am hopeful that you can (once...
Kris’ Corner – Christmas in Foster Care
I know in a previous post I discussed navigating the holidays with biological parents. Now, I’d actually like to put some thoughts down regarding the holidays in terms of the foster kids themselves. This year, being what it is, we might not all have the large family...
Kris’ Corner – What is TBRI?
So here’s the thing…often people think that kids in foster care cannot respond to love or affection. Many people think “they can’t change” or that their “damage” is permanent. And I am here to tell you that is simply not necessarily true. Kids who have experienced...