CFSF History and Philosophy

After completing my college education and at the onset of my career, I believed my role was key to helping kids making it in life. It was not so much an arrogant approach but rather a simple ignorance. With my experience as a counselor with the State of Washington and juvenile probation with Kitsap County, my contact with children was brief. I then started working with Youth for Christ foster parents. I quickly realized real change and impact happen within family. It was deflating to my ego, but it reshaped my direction.

In 2000, Community & Family Services Foundation (CFSF) was formed. When the opportunity came to break out on my own, I had a good idea on how I wanted to structure the agency. Initially I thought it important to stay small, with 25 homes or so. I did not want to become large and insensitive to the needs of foster parents. The staying small part of my plan did not work out, but remaining grounded in the care of foster parents is still our driving force. This has always been my prayer.

Moving forward it became imperative that staff carry this same belief. This is not easy for all workers to grasp.  Traditionally social workers focus on children, not caretakers. This practice can create bonds that limit foster parents’ effectiveness.

Thinking back on my own childhood I had a limited number of adults involved in my life; mom and dad, aunts, uncles, a youth pastor, and a sports coach or two. Foster children today commonly have bio & kin family, social worker, case manager, GAL/CASA, attorney, therapist, foster parent(s), case aide, etc. While all these adults are necessary and well-meaning, it can be quite confusing for the child.

Behind-the-Scenes Support of Foster Parents

We at CFSF are here to support you. But, as I’ve learned over the years, our support must come from behind the scenes. We are here to help make your life as a foster parent as normal as possible and let that extend into the lives of the children in your care. We will work to arrange respite, case aide support, interface with social workers, arrange visitation services, ensure you are respected by the social work team, etc.

While CFSF does have periodic activities for foster families (bowling, Christmas parties, summer activities), this is not a mainstay of our agency. Although it is important to come together and enjoy the company of each other, CFSF will never be a substitute for family. Foster parents can help foster children feel safe and loved at the time of placement by maintaining family connections, church connections, extended family, friends, clubs, sports, etc. and allow them to form natural bonds.

Working behind the scenes is not an ego builder, but seeing the outcomes brings us great joy. I have often said that when kids are successfully returned home with family, or adopted, I hope they don’t even remember we exist. In other words, if we can normalize kids within your family, reinforcing you as parents, we have done a good thing.

Challenges will arise in family settings – All Families!  We are here to help your family when issues happen. Our approach is to catch problems early and help your family find resolution early.  We believe a problem solved within a family is far more productive for children than when an agency is seen as the primary problem solver. With this said, we NEVER want you to hide issues that need to be reported. We are about supporting foster families and allowing them to have their own unique parenting style as long as it is within WAC guidelines.

As we move into the future, with God’s grace and guidance, we must be mindful of both our role and your role. We will always strive to be honest and straight forward with you. If issues arise, we will come to you first. We will work with you and for you. In return we know that you will do likewise for the children placed in your care.

In closing I want to thank you all for becoming foster parents. I truly believe foster parents are God’s hands and play a critical role in society. It is a wonderful thing to bring in children you don’t know and give them love, safety, and a nurturing home … children who often come to you in rough shape with more than challenging behaviors. I am very proud to join you in helping children in need.

Mark Fullington

Foster Parents – Our Support, Encouragement & Partnership

Community & Family Services Foundation (CFSF) is a Child Placing Agency (CPA) that was founded on the belief that foster parents are the most significant factor for children placed in out of home care. Our agency is designed to support, encourage and partner with you.

CFSF recognizes foster parenting is a high calling to care for the most vulnerable children in our society.

CFSF believes every family is unique and skilled to care for children God has put on your heart, and we will work tirelessly to only make placements you desire. We will not knowingly ask you to go outside your comfort zone. A good placement is one that works for both you and the child placed with you.

CFSF has three convictions that drive our relationship with you:

1. We believe that during a child’s out-of-home care, foster parents are the most important individuals in the healing process.

– Foster children come into care damaged from abuse or neglect. Children in care have many professionals that will help them with education, mental health issues, court issues, visitation/reunification, etc. You as foster parents occupy a special position. You are 24/7 with children to encourage, love and support them. The amount of quality time you will have will make a lasting difference.

2. Foster families need to function as a family and not a sterile environment.

– As you know it is a real chore getting licensed. Good Job! Now it is important for you to bring normalcy to the children in your care. In other words, functioning as your family would normally function. Making foster children feel they are part of a family that “works”. Be sure you stay plugged into the community you had prior to becoming a foster parent. If you are involved in 4-H, stay involved. If you are involved with your church, stay involved. If your extended family is a big part of your life, don’t change it. Foster children don’t need to become a new focus, they need to be invited into your family.

3. CFSF staff want to help you with the children placed in your care.

– With this said, we want you to solve problems within the family when at all possible.  We believe this approach is best for you and the children in your care. It does not mean you should avoid calling for help when, in fact, we welcome your calls. Our hope is that when you call, we will help problem solve with natural solutions rather than running out to become part of the process.  If behaviors need extra attention, we may look to bring in a consultant to help address issues at an early stage. We ultimately believe foster parents and families hold the key to saving children. If we can help you work through issues within the family, children will find healing and your home life will remain family focused.

I thank God every day for this job. I am excited to see children reunited with family or adopted into a new family. Foster parents truly do hold the keys to the hearts and minds of our society’s most vulnerable children.  With your help we can make a lasting difference in our society.

Mark Fullington