Group Counseling for Foster Parents: Techniques for Growth and Family Development.

This guide presents a program for group counseling with foster parents who have had preservice training and an orientation to agency procedures. The program consists of six group sessions, each with its own objectives, thematic content, and methods. Counseling methods include group discussion, guided fantasy, and role playing. Thematically, the program is divided into two sections, the first of which focuses on the changes in family structure and dynamics that result from the addition of a foster child. Discussions center on preplacement family planning, meeting the child's developmental needs, techniques to assure adjustment of the child and siblings, and methods of establishing a loving and trusting relationship with the child. The second section is devoted to the special needs of the foster child, particularly those related to the experience of separation. The normal problems of adjustment are discussed, as are the problems of emotionally disturbed children in foster care. Foster parents also learn methods of developing a positive working relationship with the agency and their caseworker. The program organizer recommends follow-up after the program to maintain support and encouragement for the foster parents. (Author/CS)