Fostering Change: Toward Understanding, Valuing, and Informing the Therapeutic Role of Foster Parents

Foster parents have the potential to effect lasting therapeutic change through their role with the children they temporarily foster. Therapists working with foster parents can understand, support, and inform foster parents in their role based on a commonality that exists between the roles of therapists and foster parents. Similarities at different stages of both the therapeutic and foster parenting relationships are addressed, as well as the use of these relationships in a therapeutic manner. Advantages (for foster parents, foster children, therapists, and the foster care system) of articulating the foster parenting relationship through the lens of the therapeutic relationship are also discussed. Future research into the experience of foster parents in their role will be essential in creating an effective and sustainable system of care for vulnerable children.

Youth Sport Programs: An Avenue to Foster Positive Youth Development

Concern about the growth in adolescent problem behaviours (e.g. delinquency, drug use) has led to increased interest in positive youth development, and a surge in funding for ‘after school programs.’ We evaluate the potential of youth sport programs to foster positive development, while decreasing the risk of problem behaviours. Literature on the positive and negative outcomes of youth sport is presented. We propose that youth sport programs actively work to assure positive outcomes through developmentally appropriate designs and supportive child–adult (parent/coach) relationships. We also highlight the importance of sport programs built on developmental assets (Benson, 1997 ) and appropriate setting features (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2002 ) in bringing about the five ‘C’s of positive development (competence, confidence, character, connections, and compassion/caring: Lerner et al., 2000 ). An applied sport-programming model, which highlights the important roles of policy-makers, sport organizations, coaches and parents in fostering positive youth development is presented as a starting point for further applied and theoretical research.

Minorities in ACTION : Peace Corps, VISTA, Foster Grandparent Program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Active Corps of Executives, University Year for ACTION.

ACTION pamphlet 4000-7."

Top: Res. of Nathan T. White, Sec 26x27, Ann Arbor Tp. Mich. Bottom: Res. of Lemuel Foster, Sec 23, Ann Arbor Tp. Mich.

Ann Arbor Township (Mich.) residences. Publication information: Chicago, Ill. : Everts & Stewart, 1874.

U-M Softball Team, 1990

Front Row :Michelle Sampson-athletic trainer, Kari Kunnen, Karla Kunnen, Patti Benedict, Shelley Bawol, Julie Cooper, Stacey Heams, Kelly O'Connor, Bonnie Tholl, Natalie Mussato-manager.

Back Row: Carol Bruggeman-assistant coach, Michelle Bolster, Sue Sieler, Maria Heck, Julie Foster, Heather Lyke, Jenny Allard, Andrea Nelson, Kelly Forbis, Julie Clarkson, Sara Dyksterhouse, Bridget Fitzpatrick, Carol Hutchins-head coach.

U-M Softball Team, 1991

Front row: Karla Kunnen, Shelley Bawol, Stacey Heams, Elly Vitacco, Kari Kunnen

Middle Row: Mary Campana, Sue Sieler, Julie Foster, Bonnie Tholl, Patti Benedict, Julie Cooper, Maria Heck

Back Row: Carol Bruggeman-assistant coach, Cathy Wylie-graduate assistant coach, Bridget Fitzpatrick, Tina Martin, Andrea Nelson, Kelly Forbis, Julie Clarkson, Heather Lyke, Carol Hutchins-head coach