A quick check:

Here is how to check quickly to see if your foster child is having problems. The checklist helps you think about behavior and adjustment problems your foster child may have.

Is your foster child having problems? Does the youngster seem to be getting along well; or do you see behavior or other problems that concern you?

Trust your good judgement and experience. Think about your foster child and answer Yes or No to these questions. It works as a quick check. The questions you answer No show you where the problems are.

Circle Y or N.

Is your foster child:

1.   Y   N   In good health and not often ill?

2.   Y   N    Usually energetic and interested in what is going on in his/her world?

3.   Y   N   Normally relaxed and comfortable with him/herself?

4.   Y   N   Self-confident in most situations?

5.   Y   N   Eating regularly in normal amounts?

6.   Y   N   Staying away from alcohol or other drugs?

7.   Y   N   Happy and in a good mood most of the time?

8.   Y   N   Well-behaved most of the time?

9.   Y   N   Managing his/her anger and temper responsibly?

10. Y   N   Feeling successful most of the time?

11. Y   N   Responsible and dependable most of the time?

12. Y   N   Dealing well with most day-to-day stresses and pressures?

13. Y   N   Making and keeping friends his/her age?

14. Y   N   Involved with friends who you know and approve of?

15. Y   N   Going to school regularly?

16. Y   N   Doing well in school?

17. Y   N   Finishing homework and other assignments on time?

18. Y   N   Cooperating with teachers and others at school?

19. Y   N   Involved in school activities and projects?

20. Y   N   Talking with you and other adults about his/her activities, friends, and problems?

Now that you have answered the questions, how do you decide if your foster child has problems that need extra help? If you answered Yes to each question, your foster child is doing fine. If not, the child's problems need extra attention. Talk first with the child to see what he or she thinks and feels about the problems. Also, talk about the problems with the youngster's caseworker, case manager, or doctor.