The Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services, strongly supports and encourages the formation of foster parent organizations throughout the state. The purpose of local organizations vary according to the decisions of the membership, but, generally, conform to the goals of the National Foster Parent Association and the Adoptive and Foster Parent Association of Georgia (AFPAG). The primary purposes of the National and State Foster Parent Associations are to improve the circumstances of children in foster care, to assist in the Division’s efforts to incorporate foster parents as team members and to advocate both for children in care and foster parents -- and in many instances, for the agency. 

While interacting in groups, foster parents provide one another with invaluable support and new insights into caring for children in placement. The personality conflicts and differences of opinion which always occur when people congregate are managed when the question “which action will prove to be in the best interest of the child in care?” is resolved. Issues primarily related to 1) support services for children and families and, 2) support and training for foster parents and foster care workers are all current in both the state and local organizations. 

In addition, AFPAG and the local associations have been instrumental in the development and implementation of some DFCS policy changes. Examples include the development of and revisions to the foster parent grievance procedure, training requirements, the smoke alarm requirement, state reimbursement for foster children funeral expenses, practices related to the removal of children from foster homes, school clothing for kindergarten children, the participation of foster parents in reviews and the development of form 469, Foster Child Information Sheet. Some association have been successful in planning and providing excellent regional training sessions. The AFPAG plans and makes all arrangements for an annual statewide educational training conference. The most effective associations work closely with their County DFCS offices. While the AFPAG will assist and support the local associations, they are totally autonomous and develop their own guidelines.

Foster parent organizations can prove to be a very important component in our joint efforts to attain goals for children in our care and in improving the foster care system. If there is no organization in your community, your state association or your county agency will assist you in forming one. Assistance is also available from foster care consultants in the state office and from those foster parents representing your area on the AFPAG Board.

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