Thursday, February 15, 2018

When Church is a Challenge for Kids


When life is a struggle, Believers want and NEED church. We desire fellowship with others, corporate worship, and being led through Scripture for a nugget of God’s peace that passes all understanding. Unfortunately for many foster and adoptive parents, the idea of going to church may also bring up feelings of anxiety.
  • Should I try to have my child attend Sunday School or will the separation be too much for them?
  • Will people think that my kids are “out of control” because they struggle to self-regulate?
  • Is it worth trying to actually get my kids to church?
  • Will I be called out of service repeatedly if my child experiences a meltdown?
  • Should I take my child even though he might be so overstimulated that it will take the whole rest of the day to help him regulate?
  • Read more about foster/adoptive families’ experiences, here's a great place to start.

At Project 1.27, part of our mission is to help equip churches to support foster and adoptive families. As you think about your church, or the church your foster/adoptive family attends, consider the church culture and how it responds to children from hard places and the parents who care for them. Does the church leadership prioritize foster and adoptive ministries? Do the children’s programs seek to accommodate a child from hard places through extra training and understanding? Are there opportunities to engage the church congregation to think more about serving kids in foster care or those who have been adopted?

How can I help my church become more foster and adoptive friendly?
  • Investigate your church culture through asking foster/adoptive families about their experience in church.
  • Explore additional resources or ministries your church could offer to support foster/adoptive families.
  • Schedule a time to talk with someone in leadership at your church about what you have learned and the need that exists at your church.
  • Contact Project 1.27’s new Family Care Team Manager, Marilyn Robinson (mrobinson@project127.com), if your church leadership is interested in developing more strategic ways to support foster and adoptive families.

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Safe Families Sunday LIVE!



 Join others from the Safe Families for Children community 
LIVE on February 11th. 
They will be broadcasting Facebook Live at 6:00pm (CST).  
To participate, go to www.facebook.com/SFFCNational.




Thursday, February 1, 2018

Empowered to Connect Conference!

This year, we have the awesome opportunity to attend the 
Empowered To Connect Conference LIVE in the Chicago area!

Geared toward foster & adoptive families, and applicable for potential adoptive or foster parents, and professionals or ministry leaders serving children. 
Learn an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach from global leaders on caring for children from "hard places". Learn how to promote healing, foster connection, and correct your children with methods that work. 



DATE:
Friday, April 13th
& Saturday, April 14th
2018 
LOCATION:
Harvest New Beginnings 

5315 Douglas Road
Oswego, IL 60543
  • Experience practical teaching in a safe and supportive community!
  • Each adoptive and foster parent will receive a certificate of attendance that can be turned into their agency & possibly counted towards training credits.
This conference, presented by Show Hope in partnership with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU and Empowered To Connect, is a two-day event that equips families, churches, and professionals to better serve children impacted by adoption and foster care.
We strongly recommend attending with your spouse! It's beneficial for you to be on the same page. We believe this conference is worth taking a day off work if you need to. What you will learn is invaluable!