Laying A Strong Foundation

When families contact PCHAS about fostering or adopting, it is often their first time interacting with a child-placing agency. As with any new experience, it is helpful to have someone you can count on to explain the process, answer questions, and help you know you’re on the right track. That’s why we have staff dedicated to supporting prospective families in each of our Texas Foster Care & Adoption offices. These are our Home Developers, and they are amazing.

Hannah Bratcher is the Home Development Coordinator for families in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. She offices with our team in Irving, Texas. Hannah recently shared about her journey to become a Home Developer and her role at PCHAS.

What led you to become a PCHAS Home Developer?

Originally, I applied to be a Foster Care & Adoption Case Manager for PCHAS. I interviewed with Bliss Williams and Geralda Dukuly, the DFW area program director and case management supervisor, and they thought my skills and experiences made me a good match for the Home Development Coordinator opening. I didn’t really know what the role entailed, but I am thankful they called me because I love what I do. My degree is in Child Development and Family Studies, and I have worked with foster families in other settings. At PCHAS, I get to blend all my talents together to help kids by preparing families.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being able to lay a strong foundation for foster care and adoption and walk with families through this big life change brings me joy. I love being able to incorporate my faith and pray for the families that choose PCHAS as they learn and prepare to care for kids. I love connecting with them. I want the best for our children, and I enjoy getting to walk with our families from our first parent interview to verification. I feel like I get to be a small part of the family.

How do you connect with families?

I have honest, open conversations with every family. I want them to have realistic expectations so they can trust our team as they help kids. For example, I talk with most families about the specific needs of their community. Right now, most children entering foster care have at least one brother or sister, and they need a family who can keep them together. As Home Developers, we talk to our families about parenting siblings, the ages of kids being referred for placement, and their needs because foster care is about meeting the needs of our community.

What advice do you have for families considering fostering or adopting?

Make sure you know how to care for yourself. Self-care can look like going on a walk, cooking a new recipe, exercising, doing something creative or exploring somewhere new. Parenting kids with a history of trauma can be challenging, so I talk with our families about how they will refuel and recharge when things are tough. I want to be sure they know how and will care for themselves so they can persevere for the kids.

Families will also need a support system. The majority of our families are parenting sibling groups and they need a community to be there for them. We encourage families to have babysitters and respite providers they can rely on. Some of our parents will text or call each other as a support system, as well. A family we recently licensed had a “Becoming a Foster Family Shower.” Their friends and family blessed them with things for the children about to join their family. A lot of research shows that families stop fostering (and often it is sooner than later) because they lack support, so it’s really encouraging to know that families have people supporting them and wanting to help.

If you are thinking about fostering or adopting, PCHAS would love to talk to you. To get started, Join An Online Info Session or contact us at 281-324-0544 or fosteradopt@pchas.org.