June 4, 2024 - Greensboro, NC – Children's Home Society of NC (CHS) is proud…
Shared parenting is one of the most powerful, and sometimes least understood, parts of foster care. At Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS), shared parenting is a cornerstone of how we help children and families heal.
Shared parenting means collaboration between foster parents and birth parents to support a child’s well-being and maintain meaningful family connections. Rather than an “us versus them” mindset, CHS encourages families to build a team around the child, where everyone works together toward stability and, whenever possible, reunification.
As McKenzie, a CHS foster parent, explained, “I went into foster care thinking it would be me versus the bio family. I’ve learned that it’s not that at all. We’re a team, and we’re working together for the child.”
How CHS Supports Shared Parenting
CHS helps families build and sustain shared parenting relationships through training, guidance, and compassionate support. From the first day of foster parent orientation, we emphasize that shared parenting isn’t just encouraged; it’s essential to a child’s sense of stability and belonging.
Our approach includes:
- Trauma-informed training and coaching: CHS provides foster parents with tools to communicate with empathy, navigate emotional conversations, and understand the impact of trauma on families.
- Practical communication strategies: We help families establish ways to share photos, updates, or milestone moments through secure channels, such as email or family journals.
- Support for reunification goals: When reunification is possible, CHS walks beside both families, celebrating each step and helping children maintain stability throughout the transition.
Deon and Jeanette, another CHS foster family, shared, “We always keep an open line of communication and let the parents know we care about their child just as much as they do. Every time we see them, we give each other a hug. We cook on the grill. Believe it or not, you become a family; you become a unit.”
Why Shared Parenting Matters
Shared parenting supports the emotional health, stability, and long-term success of children in foster care. When birth and foster parents communicate and cooperate, children feel less confusion and more secure. They see that the adults in their lives are united in caring for them.
McKenzie explained, “Shared parenting allows you to make the transition smoother for the child because you’re keeping some of the things they’re familiar with in your home. It also helps the parents feel included in their child’s life.”
Across North Carolina, research and experience show that shared parenting leads to fewer placement disruptions, stronger relationships, and more successful reunifications. CHS ensures that every foster parent understands how these connections directly support a child’s healing.
Overcoming the Challenges
Shared parenting takes patience, understanding, and support. CHS recognizes that these relationships don’t happen overnight; it takes time to build mutual trust, especially during an emotionally difficult period for birth families.
“Not everyone is in the space to share their child,” McKenzie said. “This can be a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. It takes time and grace.”
That’s why CHS provides ongoing guidance to help families navigate sensitive moments with compassion. Ashley, another CHS foster parent, shared, “Shared parenting honestly made me nervous. But that first conversation with their mom led to a great relationship that we’ve had to this day.”
Building Bridges, Not Barriers
At CHS, we believe shared parenting builds bridges that lead to healing and hope. It allows children in foster care to see love in action. Adults in their lives are working together to provide safety, stability, and belonging.
Every photo shared, every phone call made, and every kind word exchanged helps a child feel more secure and supported. Through training, advocacy, and encouragement, CHS equips foster families to practice shared parenting with confidence and compassion.
Learn More About Foster Care in North Carolina
At Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, shared parenting is more than a practice; it’s a promise. We are committed to helping families on both sides of foster care work together to create brighter futures for children.
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent in North Carolina, CHS will be there to guide and support you every step of the way. Click here to start your foster care journey.
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