Riptides

 

1. Unrealistic Expectations - of the child, agency or support persons

2. Lack of support - from agency, family, and friends

3. Lack of community - with other caregivers, friends, and family

4. Lack of resources - monetary, supportive or therapeutic

5. Secondary Trauma - Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Accordingly, individuals affected by secondary stress may find themselves re-experiencing personal trauma or notice an increase in arousal and avoidance reactions related to the indirect trauma exposure. They may also experience changes in memory and perception; alterations in their sense of self-efficacy; a depletion of personal resources; and disruption in their perceptions of safety, trust, and independence. (taken from www.nctsn.org/resources/topics/secondary-traumatic-stress)

6. Compassion Fatigue/Caregiver Burnout - is characterized by deep physical and emotional exhaustion and a pronounced change in the caregiver's ability to feel empathy for their children, their loved ones, and other caregivers. It is marked by increased cynicism, a loss of enjoyment of our career, and eventually can transform into depression, increased stress and stress-related illnesses. (taken from http://www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/RunningOnEmpty.pdf)

 

How the L.O.V.E. Model Can Help

 

We know that not everyone is called to bring a child into their home AND we know there is a tremendous need for extended support for families who do.  Everyone has the ability to make a difference in the lives of foster and adoptive children and families.  It is our desire to match teams of individuals with families based on their level of commitment to support families for a minimum of six months.  

 

Using our L.O.V.E. Model can simplify creating Life Preserving Teams to provide support for families caring for foster/adoptive children. 

 

The L.O.V.E. Model:

            L = Lift up in prayer (offer to pray for the needs of families)

            O = Offer respite (these parents could always use a date night or short get-away)

            V = Volunteer (families often need help with running errands, cleaning, or yard work)

            E = Encourage (sending encouraging cards or small gifts can boost a family’s spirits)

 

We believe everyone can do something!  

 

 © 11/2017

 

 

Romans 12:6-8

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

 

 

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