Ranch Ehrlo’s Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program has designed a Community of Practice (COP) to empower foster parents and reduce caregiver isolation by creating a safe, supportive space where foster parents can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Caseworkers and clinical managers facilitate the forums, in collaboration with subject matter experts. This collaborative approach integrates professional expertise, clinical knowledge, and the lived experience of foster parents, helping ensure that learning translates into practical skills and consistent support to strengthen the network of care that surrounds children and youth.

COP is organized around four key focus areas that reflect the realities of caring for children in foster care: family reunification, problematic sexual behaviour, culture, and regulation.

At the start of the pilot, foster parents selected the group(s) they were most interested in and believed their families could benefit most from.

Barb Shram, who has been a foster parent for more than 30 years but with Ranch Ehrlo’s TFC for only eight months, joined the regulation focus group and is enjoying the engagement.

“This experience with TFC has been incredible. Speaking to the COP, all the pieces have been very practical and encouraging,” said Barb. “The ‘professionals’ are really filled with humility, and they value what we have to say about our experiences. It doesn’t feel hierarchical where they tell us what we should do and the way we should do it. They ask about our experiences and for our input.”

For some parents, the groups validate the approaches they are already using, helping them recognize how their instincts align with trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. For others, it introduces new concepts in a practical, approachable way, encouraging them to integrate these ideas into daily routines in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.

“Community of Practice gives foster parents a space where they can ask anything, share openly, and realize they’re not alone,” said Jamie Guardado, caseworker. “It’s about building connection and learning from each other in a way that feels safe and supportive.”

“It’s a small, intimate group, which allows us to really adapt to what caregivers need most,” she added.

By bringing together families from both northern and southern TFC programs, the initiative is also strengthening connections and building a broader community of support.

“Foster parenting can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when navigating trauma, challenging behaviours, and the many transitions children in care experience,” explained Kate Langen, director of TFC. “The Community of Practice groups create a space where caregivers are connected to one another and become part of a broader network of shared learning, support, and collective wisdom.”

Caregivers are reminded they are not alone in their experiences, and that parenting, whether of biological or foster children, is never one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the groups offer opportunities to explore new strategies and adapt them to meet the unique needs of the children in their care.

“We just lean so much on each other and it’s a really invaluable opportunity,” said Barb. “When you learn more, you do better.”

The strong engagement and positive feedback only reinforces the value of the COP pilot – highlighting the importance of continuing and expanding the initiative into the future.

Treatment Foster Care is a specialized program that supports children with complex needs by placing them in stable, nurturing family homes where they can receive individualized care, guidance, and support to help them grow and thrive. Learn more about the TFC and how you can get involved.