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A special message to Adult HelpersEditor: Celeste BodnerIllustration: Denise TuhyProduction support:Meagan Wendt, Gina SimoneCopyright 2010 FosterClub, Inc.ISBN 9780979116247. Content, FosterCub and all related characters are propertyof FosterClub. Published by FosterClub,753 First Avenue, Seaside, Oregon 97138.Printed in the U.S.A.AcknowledgementsThanks to members of the Oregon Children’sJustice Act Task Force for their collaborationon this project. Their diverse expertiseassisted us in creating a coloring bookto help children during a dif icult time intheir lives. We would like to recognize thefollowing agency representatives:Juvenile Court Improvement Program,Oregon Judicial DepartmentThe Children’s Center of Clackamas CountyColumbia County District Attorney’s Of iceDepartment of Public SafetyStandards and TrainingGevurtz, Menashe, Larson & Howe, PCHood River County District Attorney’s Of iceJackson County Circuit CourtOregon Commission onChildren and FamiliesOregon Department of Human Services:Child Protective Services Program,Foster Care Program,Family Based Services Program,Addictions and Mental Health,Of ice of Investigations & TrainingOregon Foster Parent AssociationOregon Judicial DepartmentOregon State PoliceA special thank-you to the young peoplewho participated in the development ofthis coloring book: Brianna, Random, Lucy,Savannah and Chris.Every 2 minutes another child in America entersthe foster care system. While foster care providesa safe haven from abuse and neglect for the child,it can also produce uncertainty and many mixedemotions. Young people, often many years later,clearly recall the confusion and anxiety theyexperienced upon entering the system.Look for this tab atthe bottom of eachpage for informationand advice to guideyour conversationwith a child.This workbook is designed to support younger kidsthrough these confusing times by explaining thebasics of foster care, introducing them to peoplethey will be reacting with, helping them identify their own needs and wishes,and by validating their concerns by showing them that other kids often sharethe same feelings.As a supportive adult, your interaction can provide calm for these children.Thank you for your commitment to young people in foster care. FosterClubwants to support your efforts by providing free downloadable pages of thisworkbook at www.fosterclub.org. You’ll also ind information about purchasinglow-cost workbooks.Proceeds from sales of the Foster Cubcoloring book benefit foster childrenthrough FosterClub, the nationalnetwork for young people in foster care.For order information, contact FosterClub at503-717-1552 or visit www.fosterclub.orgAbout FosterClubFosterClub is the national network of young people in foster care. Our missionis to improve life for young people in foster care through a national networkthat is built for youth, powered by youth, and changing life in foster care. Webelieve that young people in and from foster care deserve to be connected,educated, inspired and represented.The members of FosterClub are resilient young people determined to build abetter future for themselves and for other kids coming up through the systembehind them. We thank you for supporting children and youth in foster care.
To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552 or www.fosterclub.comHi!My name is Foster Cub. When I startedfoster care I had a lot of questions.Maybe you have questions, too.This is your book for you to write in,so you can ill in the spaces below:my name is:I amyears old.One special thing youshould know about me is:This “Words to Help” section, located at the bottom of every page, provides guidance for supportive adultswho are encouraged to work through the pages of this publication alongside the young person.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Will I be going to school?the name of myschool is:Show what you like mostabout school! Draw a linefrom the objects below tothe front door of the school.Then color the tingRecessYoung people from foster care often cite school as being one stable thing they had while in foster care.Help a child maintain school stability and achieve educational success by teaming with teachers andschool administrators.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Why are my feelings all mixed up?Color the faces of Foster Cub that show the feelings you have in foster caredlovedFoster Cub says, “When I went into foster care, I had all kinds of mixed-up feelings. How about you?Color all of the feelings you have had. Then tell an adult helper how you are feeling today!”Help young people understand that it is normal to have a wide range of feelings while they are in fostercare. This chart can be used to identify some of them and share ideas about coping with emotions.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Why am I going into foster care?There are lots of reasons kids go intofoster care. Some reasons might be:Maybe they haveno place to liveMaybe mom or dad can’ttake care of them right nowMaybe their parent needshelp form other adultsMaybe their parent is sickand needs help from doctorsCan you think of reasonswhy kids go into foster care? Color the picture of Foster Cub and his friend, Birdie.This list of reasons has been kept intentionally short and vague so that an adult helper can provide an ageappropriate response. This page might also be used to learn what a child already knows about why they haveentered foster care by encouraging a child to help coming up with ideas for the last answer, “can you think ofother reasons?” Be sure to point out, as Birdie says, that it is never the child’s fault that they are in foster care.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Who will take care of me?All kids need a grownup to take care of them. Adult helpers calledfoster moms and foster dads can help keep kids safe and healthy. How dofoster parents keep kids safe and healthy? Crack these codes to ind out!Fill in the spaces below with the letters that line up with the number1234567891011abcdefghijk12 13lm1415161718192021222324 2526nopqrstuvwxzy1. Fix5. Answer2. Wash6.3. Buy7. Clean4. Help with8.2183612155151511120861519201948 15 13 5 23 15 18 1117 21185185415 214 18 9 22 519 20915141919 20 15 18 9 5 1919516 12 13 5 19The role of a foster parent may be confusing to a child. Help a child understand what a foster parent is andis not, including ways in which they are not replacements for biological parents. Lead the child to see that afoster mom is not a threat to the biological mom, helping to alleviate feelings of disloyalty.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Who lives in foster homes?Every foster home is a little bit different. At your foster home you might ind:Other kidsPetsGrownupsWrite the names of everyoneliving at your foster home:BabiesColor the pictures on this page that show who lives in your foster home.Have a conversation with the young person to determine what they should call the individuals in the home.For example, should the foster parents be called by their irst name, by’Momma’ or ‘Poppy’ (which may bedif icult for some children), or by some other nickname? Will the other children in the home be referredto as brothers and sisters (keep in mind that referring to others as ‘foster’ mother or ‘foster’ brother puts ayoung person in the position of disclosing their foster care status each time introductions are made).To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Who can I talk to about it?Complete the dot-to-dot andcolor the picture.2728313233262524222321Name ive people you cantalk to about problems or orworries or ideas:2019181716293012341311 9Help a child identify Adult Helpers who are safe to share their feelings and worries with. You may wantto connect with these supportive adults and communicate that the child has identi ied them as an AdultHelper who can be trusted to talk to.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
1. Maybe you couldlive in a house likethis. Color a roomyour favorite color.Where will I live?2. Put a blue X where youcould put your clothes.3. Place a red circlearound a good placeto have lunch.Adult helpers can help young people understand their place in the home. Young people who enter fostercare may have experienced housing displacement and homelessness, and may need help feeling comfortable in a home environment. Provide children help understanding where they may go freely in the homeand where they should ask permission or knock before entering.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What should I put in a letterto someone in my family?Dear,How are you? I amexcellentok sleepya super-heroIt sure has been a while since we’ve talked! It seems like I haven’t talked to you fora minuteweeks a fortnightforeverOne thing that has happened lately that is super-interesting is:And one more thing — I recently realized I have a crazy skill! I can spend over 2 minutesIfhoola-hoopingstanding on my headI look forward to hearing back from yousoonwhen you have timesincerely,love,burpingon the walkie-talkiefrom,P.S. since it’s been a while since we’ve seeneach other, I thought I’d draw a picture ofwhat I’d look like if I were a bear cub.Help a child keep in touch with relatives and friends whenever possible. Assist the child in setting uptheir own address book, providing stationary and stamps, and ensuring that letters get to the post of ice.Consider teaching older children to use e-mail if relatives are able to correspond that way.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Where will I sleep?Draw a picture of yourselfin a safe, warm bed.Do any of these items makeyou feel safe and cozy whenyou go to sleep? Circle thewords, or write your own!special blanketstuffed animallights onnight lightdoor opendoor closedspecial pillowglass of waterpicturesbedtime storyBeing safe while sleeping can be a primary concern for children who enter foster care. Adult helpers canhelp a child pre-plan for what they will need to feel safe and secure.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What will we talk about in court?Practice answering these questions that a Judge or an attorneymight ask you while you are in court.“How do you like your foster home?”Judge“How are you doing in school?”“Have you had visits with your family?”“Is there anythingyou would like meto help you with?”Help a young person think through answers they might want to provide in court.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552Attorney
What kind of food will I eat?Draw your favorite breakfastfood in the bowl!Many children entering foster care have had unreliable access to food. Because of these experiences, it is quitecommon for children in foster care to hoard or stash food. Adult helpers can support children by allowing themto maintain control of their own personal food supply. Consider providing a cooler or small backpack withhealthy non-perishable items so a child can maintain control over for their personal snack supply.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What will we do on a visit?draw a line to activities you’d like to do on your visits!‹— Start here andplaygameslook atschool worknew idea!readeatexchangegiftslistento musiclook atphotosplayvideogamescolorplay oncomputerplaywithtoysplaysportsBeyond initial greetings, family visits can become awkward for the child and visitor alike. Plan ahead withthe child about things they can do at their visit, and help pack a bag with items that promote interactivityand connection.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What will my family be doingwhile I’m in foster care?Color the placesyour parentmight be going.getting a jobvisiting doctors ixing drug oralcohol problems inding aplace to livegettinghealthy indingchild carelearning tobe agood parent ixing anger problemsgetting things rightwith the policetakingclassesIt can help a child understand why they can’t see their biological parent each day if they are aware of the“job” a parent is undertaking to get healthy and create a safe home. This worksheet could be an activityduring a visit between a child and parent.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What is foster care?Here are some things in foster care. Color the ones that are important to you:things kids need, likeclothes, food, and atoothbrush.a safe place tolive for nowAdulthelperswho careabout youkid things to doFoster parents totake care of kidsLet the young person know that they will be safe and have their basic needs met while in fostercare. Throughout this publication, the term “Adult Helper” is used to refer to all of the adults who arestakeholders in the child’s case plan, including caregivers, therapists, attorneys, CASAs, Judges, caseworkersand other parties interested in the young person’s well-being.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What will it look like at court?Can you color the courtroom? The Judge has placed stars at all of thelocations you might sit when you visit a court room. Color the starsYELLOW if you have sat in that spot in court before.“Hello! I am the Judge. Thankyou for coming to mycourt room. I am lookingforward to talking with you!”Judge’sprivatemeetingroomWitnessstandNext toattorney orcaseworkerCourt can be intimidating to a child. Understanding the role of the Judge and the other people they willmeet can help ease anxiety.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What is a case worker?Ask your caseworker to help you ill in this sectionthe next time you talk to them!my case worker’s name is:I can call my case worker onthe phone by dialing: ill out the next section and share itwith your case worker. They want tohear how they can help you.Your Case Worker says: “How can I help you?” You say:setting up visits with my familyexplaining what’s going onextra help with school workmy other ideas:getting help for my feelingsbeing my friendThe term “case worker” or “social worker” is not generally known to children. Be sure to explain theimportant role these people have in helping them while they are in foster care. Help the child understandhow to communicate with their case worker when they need help with things.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What if I have things I’m worried about?Draw a picture of something that’s on your mind.Foster Cub says, “It can be hard to tellabout something that I’m worried about.Sometimes I like to draw a picture, then Ishare it with a safe adult.”Young people in foster care may worry about many things. They may also disclose secrets which must bedisclosed to the authorities. Find out if you are a mandatory reporter. Even if you are not, please seek guidance from a child welfare professional if a child reveals they are currently being harmed or abused or if theyhave indicated past abuse.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What does your foster home look like?Draw a picture of YOUR foster homeTake a ‘tour’ of a child’s drawing and ask them to show you around the house. Along the way, locate theplaces where they can keep their own items, including things that are important to them (such as photosand keepsakes).To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
What can I bring to my foster home?Color the items you already have at your foster home.Draw a line from an item to the bag for any items you would liketo get from your old home.Children may be worried about belongings left behind at their previous home. If they are not allowed tohave certain items at their new home, help alleviate fears by making arrangements for the safekeeping ofthese things. When it comes to pets, help make arrangements for their care and safety when possible.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
blanketbookpetAre there other things you wish you could bring from your old house to yourfoster home? Draw them or list them here:Help a child communicate what they miss or are longing for from their previous home.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
JudgeHow many of theseadult helpers have you met?Case worker orsocial workerTherapist orcounselorThese adult helpersare all a part of yourteam!CASAor GALHow many of themhave you met? Colorthem in — and add aname if you know them.Foster parentsAttorneyMentorDepending on the age of the child, they may be able to understand the concept of a team (for example,compared to their soccer or basketball team). This may help them understand how many adult helpershave a spot on their foster care team.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
How do I tell about the people in my family?Fill each star with name ofa person that is part ofyour family. Then colorthe page.Help the child document the names of relatives and family-like persons in their life. Often, the ability to remembernames fades over time. This chart is intentionally designed in non-tree format because many children in fostercare identify people as aunts, uncles, and cousins, even though not related by blood. These kin-like persons, alongwith blood relatives, may prove to be valuable resources in establishing permanence for the child.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
How can I tell people in myfoster home about me?I am aboygirlMy favoritegame is:My birthday isMy next birthday, I will be years oldIf you wanted to get me a present, here’swhat I’d really like:I am:right handedleft handedMy favorite sport is:I have teeth on topI have teeth downstairsThe color of my hair is:brown black orange redblondegreenThis esteem building worksheet can be used to help a child introduce themself to a new foster parent orother supportive adults. Make it even more fun by having the supportive adults jump in with their owninformation, comparing similarities and differences along the way.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
I am feet, inches tallI wear glasses:yesnoHere is the color of my eyes:brown black green blue purpleI wear freckles:yesMy favorite color is:noMy favorite thing to doat school is:I can stand on my hands:yes, for secondsnoMy feet are ticklish:yesnomy favorite food is:but I don’t like :To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
How can I keep in touch withimportant people?In each nametag, write the namesof family and friends that youwould like to keep in touch with.Next, drawa line fromthe person tothe ways thatyou can stayconnected.mailtelephonein-person visitsUse this page to have conversations with children about the people they want to have communicationwith. Discuss safety and why some visits or phone calls might be supervised. It is important to not makeassumptions about their communication wishes — a child may speci ically want to avoid communicationwith certain people. In these cases, it may be neccessary to work with a counselor to uncover reasons.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Draw your own faces for thesepeople. Remember to add ahairstyle if you would like!noe-mailvisits(for now,at least)To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Are there other kids in foster care?YES! There are lots and lots of kids in foster care.Color Foster Cub and his Cub friends!There are even books and movies about kidsbeing in foster care. Can you name some?A fact: There are about 500,000(half a million) children in fostercare in the U.S.ACheck out these movies thatinclude foster care characters:Meet the Robinsons (G)Hotel for Dogs (PG)August Rush (PG)Martian Child (PG)Helping children understand that they are not alone and that lots of other young people have been in fostercare can be reassuring. Log on to www.fosterclub.org with your child and read about other foster childrenand safely interact on monitored message boards.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Can you help me inish the book?Write down some other questions that you have hadabout foster care! Ask your case worker, foster parent, oranother adult helper to help you ind out the answers.As you work through this workbook, a child may come up with additional questions not covered. Log themhere, along with answers, so that a child may refer back. You might also use this page to make a child feelbrave like Foster Cub for asking questions about being in foster care.To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552
Other kids To order The Foster Cub 32-page Coloring Book, call 503-717-1552. Who can I talk to about it? Help a child identify Adult Helpers who are safe to share their feelings and worries with. You may want to connect with these supportive adults and c
