top of page

Here are some Parent Tips for Communication with Team Members


Be Honest

Be honest in all interactions. Families and children’s lives are involved in this work. It is not a game. Staying honest is always the best tactic.



Be Confident

Work to feel confident in your abilities as an advocate. See yourself as an equal partner with the system professionals. No one person has all the answers. The kinds of information brought to the table may be different but maybe of equal importance.



Show Mutual Respect

With the sense of equality comes the knowledge of mutual respect. Every player in the child welfare system is generally doing their best from their point of view. It will be important to understand the other’s point of view.



Be Positive

Express opinions in a positive manner. Negative interactions between families and the system can wear them out. Avoid negative deterioration of discussions. Work to keep the point of view positive.



Be Prepared with Knowledge

Be prepared by learning the laws that apply to child welfare and the administrative rules that apply to the agency as well as foster and adoptive parents. Advanced knowledge will help in any advocacy role.



Cultivate Relationships

Spend time becoming acquainted with the members of the team and with your local and state leaders. Resource Parents often know the line staff but not the decision makers. Seek opportunities to interact with decision makers. Acknowledging when you see them doing a good job will lay the groundwork for more difficult communication when there are conflicts.



Recent Posts

See All

Impact of Childhood Trauma

The negative effects of childhood trauma and/or adverse childhood experiences on educational attainment, health, and other issues have...

The Judicial Process

Ohio's Judicial Process Resource families involved in child welfare are also involved in the Ohio court system. Understanding the many...

bottom of page