Foster Parents; Steps to Advocacy?
Part 2 of 9.
In part 1, we explained how this subject came up. Every once in a while as we talk to those calling in to our office for assistance someone asks a question that an answer is tough to formulate. This was the case in one ladies question. What was the question, “where can I obtain the training to become an advocate”? Wow, how do we answer that. FPLS has been in existence for 13 years, the reason for existence the lack of support for you, our foster/adoptive parents.
- We had just made a statement worth repeating. How do you fill a black hole? That is an amazingly accurate description of this system we serve in, a black hole filled with children from all over the country, children waiting for someone to care about them. That is what fostering is making a difference in a child’s life.
- Question; where do the children caught in this black hole come from? Exactly, biological parents are now included in our support system.
Now let us continue with steps to advocacy. A good place to start is always a definition. Our first stop is Wikipedia.
There are several forms of advocacy, which each represent a different approach in the way change is brought into society. One of the most popular forms is social justice advocacy.
Although it is true, the initial definition does not encompass the notions of power relations, people’s participation and a vision of a just society as promoted by social justice advocates. For them, advocacy represents the series of actions taken and issues highlighted to change the “what is” into a “what should be”, considering that this “what should be” is a more decent and a more just society (ib., 2001.) Those actions, which vary with the political, economic and social environment in which they are conducted, have several points in common (ib., 2001.)
Wikipedia goes on to say they:
• Question the way policy, is administered
• Participate in the agenda setting as they raise significant issues
• Target political systems “because those systems are not responding to people’s needs”
• Are inclusive and engaging
• Propose policy solutions
• Open up space for public argumentation.
That definition is from Wikpedia. Just for curiosity sake let us see what Webster’s dictionary has to say.
- Definition of ADVOCATE
- 1: one that pleads the cause of another; specifically : one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court
- 2: one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
- 3: one that supports or promotes the interests of another
Question; have you ever thought of becoming an advocate on behalf of children, foster parents, or another group of individuals in our society. Where you were damaged is where you will fit in.
So we, that is, FPLS & NFPCAR are now defined as advocates. Some of the advocacy programs on line are support groups, discussion groups, and some of those same individuals participating in the discussion groups also act on a more personal basis in their own states. They are advocates guiding foster/adoptive and biological parents.
Stay with us, were on a roll. Here is the video we selected to share with you, still not able to embed into our article? http://youtu.be/vAIjOQ2WNOU
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