All Star prioritizes supporting foster parents in order to reduce stress associated with parenting, managing a household, and caring for large groups of children. Foster parents have on-site access to a knowledgeable and skilled case management and clinical team available to address their needs related to parenting, systems navigation and collaboration, birth family engagement, and reduction of secondary traumatic stress. All Star’s family support clinician is dedicated to supporting caregivers as they navigate the complex and challenging roles of foster parenting.
All Star supports its foster parents through robust programs with the goal of reducing parenting stress and supporting foster parents in their roles through practical, hands-on support and guidance. Foster parents on the ASCF campus receive the following supports:
- Large, furnished, rent-free homes
- Babysitting and respite care provided by childcare specialists trained in trauma-informed care
- Access to ASCF’s boutique for children’s clothing and hygiene products
- House cleaning
- Laundry services
- Access to a licensed mental health counselor
- In-home counseling services and supports when indicated
- Foster parent well-being and self-care programming
In addition, ASCF staff and clinicians facilitate Monthly Foster Parent Support Group Meetings for foster parents residing on campus. Goals of the groups include:
- Development of supportive and healthy relationships among foster parents on ASCF campus.
- Continued learning about and application of trauma-informed parenting skills.
- Addressing secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue.
- Applying reflective practices to the roles of a foster parent to reduce stress, promote self-growth, and examine thoughts, feelings, and experiences that impact parenting.
- Discussing strategies to ensure that children feel safe, capable, and loved.
Family Support Clinician & Mental Health Services
ASCF foster parents are paired with a Family Support Clinician who specializes in trauma-informed parenting, managing caregiver stress, and supportive systems navigation. Foster parents work closely with the clinician to enhance their parenting skills and create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for the children in their care.
In addition to family support, ASCF foster parents also have access to a contracted mental health clinician to address their own personal mental health needs.
