Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans, Inc.

You're never alone when you foster as you work as part of a professional team. Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services partners with many organizations to help support foster children and the families that care for them.

The collaborative Foster Caregiver Mentor Program encourages peer relationships between foster families. It's an effective way for new resource parents to meet with more experienced caregivers and get advice.

Your local DCFS also has plenty of resources online, including parent handbooks, contact information, and emergency service information. You can learn more about child welfare agencies and how to become a foster parent.

A child-placing agency is always there for you, providing support in times of crisis or even when you have questions. Don't forget about the case worker, who you can contact if you feel lost.

Working with the birth parents is another part of a foster parent's job. However, you don't have to simply contact them to set up visitations and calls. Co-parenting with them is often best for the child, and it can make your job easier.