The Foster Parenting Toolbox – Kim Phagan-Hansel (Editor)
1. Full Citation
Phagan-Hansel, K. (Ed.) (2012) The Foster Parenting Toolbox. Coon Rapids, MN: EMK Press.
2. Introduction
The Foster Parenting Toolbox is a comprehensive anthology that equips current and prospective foster carers with practical insights, real-life experiences, and trauma-informed strategies. Compiled and edited by Kim Phagan-Hansel, the book brings together voices from foster parents, therapists, and caseworkers to create a well-rounded, field-tested manual. Its goal is not only to support the caregiving process but to enhance empathy, resilience, and professional understanding in foster placements. This review evaluates its breadth, accessibility, and practical value for carers and professionals alike.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Kim Phagan-Hansel is an experienced editor and advocate in the field of child welfare, known for her editorial leadership with Fostering Families Today and other adoption and foster care publications. Her work focuses on promoting best practices, highlighting real-life stories, and advancing support systems for families involved in the foster care system. She is deeply engaged in social work and child advocacy communities.
4. Summary of Contents
This anthology consists of over 100 short essays divided into themed sections that address:
- Entering Foster Care
- Advice on navigating first placements, licensing, working with agencies, and setting expectations.
- Trauma, Attachment, and Behaviour
- Contributions from therapists and experienced carers on understanding trauma triggers, attachment disorders, and challenging behaviours.
- Practical strategies for self-regulation, consistency, and empathy-based discipline.
- Working with Biological Families
- Emphasises compassionate co-parenting, managing court processes, and maintaining safe boundaries.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity
- Essays on caring for children from different racial, religious, or linguistic backgrounds, including transracial placements.
- Navigating the System
- Explains how to work with social workers, therapists, lawyers, and educators as part of the child’s care team.
- Self-Care and Resilience for Carers
- Stresses the importance of emotional health, support networks, and long-term caregiver sustainability.
Each entry is written in a conversational, story-driven tone but grounded in real professional and therapeutic practice.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
The strength of the book lies in its pragmatic coherence across diverse topics. While not structured as a single argument, it presents mutually reinforcing themes of trauma-informed care, child advocacy, and resilience.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
Few parenting books focus so specifically on foster parenting realities. Its collective wisdom model brings in multiple perspectives, making it one of the most original and inclusive books in the field.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
Although it lacks formal referencing, the book draws from clinical experience, lived testimony, and applied psychological knowledge, particularly trauma and attachment theory. It functions more as a practitioner guidebook than an academic study.
d. Style and Accessibility
Highly readable, emotionally resonant, and immediately practical, it is ideal for caregivers navigating complex systems. The modular format makes it easy to dip in and out of depending on need.
e. Limitations and Critiques
As a multi-author collection, some entries may feel uneven in tone or depth. It is also primarily US-focused, though many principles are applicable across systems. More explicit inclusion of research references or case law could enhance its academic robustness.
6. Comparative Context
The book is often compared with:
- Deborah Gray – Nurturing Adoptions: More theory-heavy but excellent on attachment
- Heather T. Forbes – Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control: Trauma-informed parenting
- Daniel Hughes – Building the Bonds of Attachment: Narrative attachment therapy
What sets The Foster Parenting Toolbox apart is its realistic and multifaceted experiential voice, covering system navigation, emotional support, and practical caregiving.
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
This book is essential for professionals in social work, child welfare, trauma counselling, foster care training, and early childhood development. It is used in pre-service foster training, agency seminars, and parenting groups.
8. Reflection or Practical Application
Foster carers often praise the book as an emotional lifeline. It validates their struggles, encourages emotional connection, and provides concrete steps for resolving common challenges. Many report increased confidence and a stronger sense of calling.
9. Conclusion
The Foster Parenting Toolbox is an indispensable resource for navigating the complex world of foster care. It offers a wealth of applied wisdom, emotional insight, and system-savvy guidance, making it both encouraging and empowering for caregivers.
Recommended for: Foster parents, caseworkers, child advocates, social workers, and adoptive families.
10. Other Works by the Same Author (Editor)
- Fostering Families Today – Editorial contributions
- The Kinship Parenting Toolbox – Companion volume focusing on kinship placements
- The Adoption Parenting Toolbox – Resource guide for adoptive families
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- Heather T. Forbes – Help for Billy
- Deborah Gray – Nurturing Adoptions
- Daniel Hughes – Attachment-Focused Parenting
- Karyn Purvis – The Connected Child
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Gray, D. (2007) Nurturing Adoptions
- Forbes, H. (2009) Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control
- Purvis, K. et al. (2007) The Connected Child