HFG Chit Chat Corner - Educational Journey for Foster Children with Special Needs (Linda)
HFG Chit Chat Corner – Educational Journey for Foster Children with Special Needs.
In February, a few foster parents within the HFG community had an informal chat with veteran foster parent, Linda, who is currently fostering two youth with special needs. She has fostered and provided respite care to many foster children over the years.
Here’s some highlights from our chat which we hope will encourage others who are on similar journeys.
Linda and her husband, Robin, started their fostering journey since 2003.
Upon the arrival of Adam* and John* into their home, they decided to focus on building strong bonds with the boys. Both came to their families when they were babies. She feels that it is important for foster parents to show affection and love to their foster children.
2) Trust in God
After Adam was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay, the professionals recommended for him to be enrolled in a special education (SPED) school.
When asked if she had any fears or doubts after hearing of the diagnosis, Linda responded resolutely, "I actually felt nothing.” It was not because Linda didn’t care. Even in the face of the difficult reports, she trusted that the Lord would guide and aid her, leaving her no room to fear or have doubts about the future that lay ahead. She reminded the foster parents to stay focus on God, not the issues on hand.
3) Not Giving Up
Linda and Robin were determined to give Adam and John the best possible care, supporting their growth and encouraging them to persevere.
They also believed in the importance of being more attentive to the needs of the foster children, so that the earlier the child’s condition is alerted and diagnosed, early intervention could help the child to overcome the various challenges that they face.
For example, they decided to enroll Adam in speech therapy classes. When he first came to their home, he did not utter any sound for more than a week. Through the classes, and with time and patience, he was able to communicate more clearly and became more confident in expressing himself. Today, like other youth his age, Joshua regularly plans outings with his friends, sometimes even updating Linda about the latest trends and happenings.
When Linda and Robin noticed that John was unable to sit or lift his head due to severe malformation in his spine, they prayed fervently for the child. Besides the regular doctors’ appointments and therapies, Linda did daily exercises at home with John. Through her diligence and perseverance, today John has no mobility issues. When we were having this chat, John just came home from tuition class on his own.
Linda mentioned a few times during our chat, “I don’t give up on my foster kids!”
4) Never Label Them
"We never label them." Linda states the best way to care for special needs children is never to label them and call them derogatory terms like "stupid" or "dumb".
While it seems like a simple thing, in fits of frustration or tiredness, it is easy to lose control and let our flesh take over. Foster parents need to redirect their focus to providing foster children with support and encouragement, so that they can reach their full potential.
"Encourage them and they will improve," Linda added with conviction. Linda recalls how when Adam was in Primary 3, he failed all his exams. Though devastated, she knew these academic results were not a reflection of his worth. She saw the potential he had and continued to encourage him by praying fervently for him, motivating him and cheering him on.
By the grace of God, Adam stood in front of many as the valedictorian of his SPED school’s graduating cohort last year. A shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and the support from his foster family.
Sitting within the audience, Linda swelled with pride as she watched Adam delivered his valedictorian speech, "I knew he could always do it!" Linda remarks how it was a privilege for her to see how her labor of love came to fruition,
With the right mindset, support, and effort, Linda believes anyone similar to Adam's or John’s situation can achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.
*The names of the foster child in this story have been changed to protect their identities.
