05/01/2024
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Fostering or adopting a child is a life-changing experience that can have a profound impact on both the child and the caregiver. Bladen County Department of Social Services recognizes the importance of nurturing and supporting these children, and they offer foster and adoptive parent classes to individuals who are ready to accept the challenge of becoming a foster parent. These classes, beginning on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, provide a unique opportunity for local residents to learn about the responsibilities and rewards of fostering and adopting children.

Fostering and adopting a child is a commitment that goes beyond providing a home; it involves creating a safe, loving, and stable environment for children who have experienced hardship in their young lives. The impact of such an act of kindness is immeasurable, as it not only transforms the lives of the children but also profoundly influences the caregivers.

These classes are designed to empower individuals, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to support a child in need.

Class Details

Location:
Bladen County Department of Social Services
208 E McKay Street
Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Class Schedule:
– Classes begin on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
– Sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
– The class time is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Topics Covered

The foster and adoptive parent classes at Bladen County DSS cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the journey ahead. Some of the key areas discussed during the classes include:

1. Understanding the Foster and Adoption Process: Participants will learn about the legal aspects and requirements of fostering and adopting a child, as well as the roles and responsibilities of foster and adoptive parents.

2. Child Development and Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the unique needs and challenges of children who have experienced trauma is essential. The classes provide insights into trauma-informed care and child development.

3. Building a Support System: Participants will learn how to build a support network that includes social workers, therapists, and other foster and adoptive parents. This support system can be invaluable in times of need.

4. Navigating the Emotional Aspects: Fostering and adopting can be emotionally challenging. The classes provide guidance on coping with these challenges and helping children through their emotional struggles.

5. Preparing for Parenthood: Practical parenting skills and techniques are taught to ensure that participants are equipped to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children in their care.

Bladen County DSS encourages individuals to accept the challenge of becoming a foster or adoptive parent. The decision to open your heart and home to a child in need is a profound and compassionate act that can change lives. It’s an opportunity to make a significant difference not only in the child’s life but also in your own. The journey may not always be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Foster and adoptive parent classes at Bladen County Department of Social Services provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to prepare themselves for the rewarding journey of fostering and adopting children in need. By participating in these classes, you can equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to provide a loving and stable home for children who may have experienced adversity. Embrace the challenge, and you might just be the ONE who makes a profound difference in a child’s future – a difference that will change, at the very least, two lives: yours and theirs.

For questions and more information call LeAnne Graham or Sheila Manuel at 910-862-6800 or email monicagraham@bladenco.org.

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