365
0
Foster families gathered this past Tuesday, December 9, at Central Baptist Church in Newnan for a powerful training session led by nationally recognized foster care expert Dr. John DeGarmo.
The event brought together local foster parents for an important conversation on the emotional toll of caregiving, specifically secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and how to build stronger support systems for foster families.
“The weight of a child’s trauma can deeply affect caregivers, creating a heavy emotional toll on them,” said Dr. DeGarmo, founder and director of the Foster Care Institute. “We want to make sure that the foster families here in Newnan have the necessary guidance and resources to succeed.”
State Senator Matt Brass also attended the event to show his support for foster children and families. Sen. Brass, who represents Newnan and surrounding areas, spoke to attendees about the importance of strengthening resources for foster parents and making sure children in care have the stability and support they need to succeed.
“Our responsibility as a state is to ensure that children in foster care receive both safety and opportunity,” stated Senator Brass. “To fulfill this commitment, it is essential that foster parents are equipped with the necessary resources. Comprehensive training serves as a vital foundation, enabling them to access support effectively. With the appropriate tools, foster parents can better offer the care and stability that children require to embrace the opportunities available to them.”
Dr. DeGarmo also spoke on the topic of parenting troubled teens, offering practical advice and strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in foster youth, while sharing tools for strengthening families and healing at home.
“The stress and fatigue of parenting teens can be immense, and challenging behaviors are to be expected, especially when they carry the unfortunate burden of past trauma,” said Dr. John DeGarmo. “But when foster parents are given the proper guidance, they can connect with their child, allowing them to excel.”
Since 2014, Amerigroup Georgia has coordinated healthcare services for children in foster care through the Georgia Families 360° program, working with about 32,000 young people across the state. The program provides specialized support for foster youth, children receiving adoption assistance, and some involved in the juvenile justice system.
Foster parents seeking additional resources, updates on healthcare changes, or information on joining local support networks are encouraged to contact their care coordinators or local advocacy organizations.
###
About Dr. John DeGarmo
Dr. John DeGarmo is an international expert in parenting and foster care and is a TEDx Talk presenter. Dr. John is the founder and director of The Foster Care Institute. As foster parents, he and his wife have had over 60 children come through their home. He and his wife have received many awards, including the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award. He can be contacted at [email protected], or at the Foster Care Institute.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.