Four Quick Tips for Successfully Supporting Students with Experience in Foster Care

Use inclusive language.

Choose person-first language whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “foster kid,” use “student with experience in foster care.” Students have shared that this language acknowledges foster care as just one part of who they are, rather than a defining trait.

Help reduce the stigma surrounding foster care.

One of the most impactful steps supportive adults can take is to learn what foster care truly is and how it can affect students. Take some time to explore the Fostering Success Michigan website to further your understanding of the common challenges students may experience.\

Know the support professionals in your community.

Many resources are available to students with experience in foster care, both statewide and locally. If you interact with students regularly, you are well-positioned to connect students with needed supports. Familiarizing yourself with local service providers can help streamline access to these resources.

Grow your own network to enhance student support.

You don’t have to “know everything” about foster care to support your students! Joining the Fostering Success Michigan Statewide Network provides increased access to information and resource experts across the state. Explore our site and sign up for our newsletter and events outreach. We are excited to welcome you to a network of educational support for youth with experience in foster care in Michigan.