For most people, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays are usually a time of fun, family, and friends. For adults or children in foster care, it can be a difficult reminder that they cannot share this special time with their biological family. With the help of RISE Services, Inc. Utah, you can make the holidays festive and memorable for the foster individuals in your care. Review the ideas below to learn how to create a welcoming and caring home environment for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Talk with Friends and Family before Attending a Holiday Event

Before having people over or attending a family holiday event, let your family and friends know you’ve welcomed a foster child or adult with I/DD into your home. Some of your family members or friends may already know you are a professional parent or Host Home with RISE Services, Inc. Utah, so this may not surprise them. Your family and friends will appreciate the heads up, especially if you exchange gifts with them or they have Christmas goodies set aside for all the kids. The goal is to avoid making your foster child feel awkward or out of place and allow your family to make them feel welcome and cared for.

Have Extra Gifts Ready for Your Foster Child or Adult

While you may do all you can to avoid embarrassing situations, you may not be able to prevent them. One way to ensure your foster adult with I/DD doesn’t feel rejected or unwelcome is to have a few extra gifts on hand in case of an accidental oversight. Ask them what they would like for Christmas that year, or discover some of their favorite hobbies or activities. Do they enjoy reading books or putting puzzles together? Are they in need of new clothes or shoes? There are several gifts you can set aside for any holiday occasion. Think gift cards, toys, electronics, games, clothes, jewelry, mugs with coffee or tea, or gift bags with some of their favorite snacks.

Consider Their Family During the Holidays

It is perfectly normal for your foster child or adult to be concerned about their family during the holidays. Even if they lived under harmful conditions, they may miss spending time with them or want to be sure they enjoy Thanksgiving or Christmas. Talk with RISE and the Case Worker or Support Coordinator to find out if it’s safe, appropriate, and approved to plan an event with your foster child or adult’s family. Perhaps you could invite them to the Christmas pageant at their foster child’s school. Maybe your foster adult’s siblings want to join you for Thanksgiving dinner. Be sure to include them in any gift-giving activities to make them feel as welcome as your foster adult or child with I/DD.

Become a Professional Parent with RISE Utah

Adults and children with I/DD living in foster care need a stable and loving home environment anytime, including during the holiday season. Professional parents with RISE receive therapeutic and behavioral training and extensive support based on the unique needs of their foster child or adult. We work with you to create a safe and supportive atmosphere for your family and the foster individuals under your care. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a professional parent, Host Home, or respite care provider for families with foster children and adults with I/DD.

Source: “The Holidays in Foster Care: Why Things Might Get Rough.” Web article. Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. 05 Dec. 2018. Web. 25 Oct. 2023.