High Needs Foster Parenting

[parentintrain]

I'm new to foster parenting, didn't get much training from the agency I'm with either. Ive had my first placement for quite sometime now. I love children, and he can be the biggest angel... but hes like a light switch.. he becomes SO incredibly violent and destructive at times. I am single and plan to stay that way. Don't get me wrong, but at times I am just feeling overwhelmed and unsure of if I'm handling things right.. He swears worse then Ive ever heard most adults talk and hes 4!... I'm just not sure how to handle it sometimes.. Dr's are trying to determine a diagnosis for him, and they have made referrals of OT and PT for him but those seem to be taking an extremely long time... Anyone have any suggestions for the bad language and violent outbursts

[lauren]

I'm sorry you haven't heard from anyone yet! It sounds like a difficult situation and that perhaps you're not getting much support. It's possible your little one could have experienced some trauma and it is also possible that he has a strong -willed temperament or is biologically predisposed to more violent episodes. It can be difficult to tell without professional help. Is there a good foster/adoption therapist in your area that the other providers can refer you to? Getting some professional support from a good provider can be a huge help, and is usually covered by Medicaid. Also, is there a foster parent support group to attend? That can also help a lot, especially if you're single parenting.