Your Path from Foster Care to Forever Family

What we’ll cover

Rooted’s courses offer clear, compassionate guidance to help you grow a forever family through foster care and guardianship—one step at a time.

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Why Foster Care Is a Path to Family

Silhouettes of an adult and child holding hands walking through a series of glowing archways leading to a bright house in the distance. Warm, golden light fills the scene, creating a sense of hope and journey.

It all starts with the heart. In this first module, I share my personal story of how foster care unexpectedly and beautifully grew my family. We'll explore the powerful mindset shift from seeing fostering as temporary help to seeing it as a viable, love-filled path to building a permanent family. This is where we set the foundation for your journey and discover why this path is so needed and deeply rewarding.

The Foster → Guardianship Pipeline

Feeling confused by the system? You're not alone. This module demystifies the entire process, breaking down the journey from your first foster placement to becoming a legal guardian. We’ll cover the legal differences between guardianship and adoption, realistic timeframes, and the emotional milestones along the way. Consider this your roadmap to navigating the system with clarity and confidence.

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Financial Reality Check

Let's talk about the biggest hurdle for many prospective parents: money. This module provides a transparent and practical look at the finances of fostering. We'll compare the staggering costs of private adoption with the state-supported foster care system, covering everything from monthly stipends to medical coverage. You'll learn how financial support makes it possible for loving parents like you to provide a stable home without being a millionaire.

Keys to Positive Outcomes

This is the core of it all: how to be an effective, trauma-informed parent who helps children not just survive, but thrive. Drawing on years of experience, I share my most valuable tips on creating structure, navigating behavioral challenges, and building unbreakable bonds of trust. I'll also give you my list of can't-live-without tools, from therapy resources to IEP advice, that lead to positive outcomes for your kids.

The System: What Nobody Tells You

Welcome to the insider's guide. This module is the "real talk" about navigating the bureaucracy that you won't find in any official handbook. Learn how to effectively communicate with caseworkers, what to really expect during the licensing process, and how to handle the inevitable red tape and delays. I'll share my hard-won wisdom on when to be a fierce advocate for your child and when to be flexible to protect your own sanity.

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Getting Started Today

Feeling inspired and ready to take the next step? This final module converts your motivation into action. I'll walk you through the tangible first steps you can take right now, from finding the right local agency to preparing your home and your mindset for this incredible journey. You'll leave this course with a clear plan and the confidence to get started. You can do this—let me show you how.