New Book Provides Understanding of Foster Experience for Children
Every year thousands of children go to live in foster care homes. The transition can be frightening and difficult. A new book, "Billy Had to Move," is written for adults to read to children so they will be less anxious and know what to expect.
Cambridge Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) May 25, 2009
Sadness, fear, confusion, and hope mark the foster experience for thousands of children across North America. Foster children can be better prepared for the transition by reading Theresa Ann Fraser's "Billy Had to Move" (ISBN 9781932690873, Loving Healing Press, 2009).
"Billy Had to Move" tells the story of seven-year old Billy's placement in a foster home. With the help of Child Protection Services, Billy has been happily settled in a kinship placement with his grandma. He enjoys his pet cat, interacting with the neighbors, and even taking piano lessons. But when Billy's grandmother passes away unexpectedly and his mother cannot be located, Billy's social worker, Mr. Murphy, has to place him in a foster home.
Billy's new home consists of Amy, Tim, and their baby, Colly. While Billy's foster family wants to make him feel like part of the family, Billy finds the adjustment difficult. Not only does Billy mourn his grandmother, but he also misses the life he knew at his grandmother's house. With help from his foster parents and his play therapist, Ms. Woods, Billy learns to adjust and be happy in his new home.
Theresa Anne Fraser wrote "Billy Had to Move" so children would understand the foster care situation as they transitioned into it. She wanted children to know there are caring people they will meet who are committed to their welfare, including foster parents, therapists, and social workers. The introduction of play therapy in the book prepares children for visiting a therapist and realizing therapy is not a frightening experience but one that can help them understand and adjust to a new home. Alex Walton's colorful illustrations will make the story all the more attractive to children. "Billy Had to Move" is like a friend to the child who may feel alone and lost before the foster care transition.
Experts in childcare and psychology applaud the usefulness of "Billy Had to Move." Gisela Schubach De Domenico, PhD, MFT, R-PTS says, "This gem of a book…offers a sacred space that compassionately holds and supports the multidimensional realities of our foster children and their birth families, our social workers and foster families, our teachers and child psychotherapists." Mark E. Hulbert, MA, LLP appreciates that "The book…provides insight into how powerful the experience can be when the child has an opportunity to explore their trauma in the sandtray." Athena A. Drewes, Director of Clinical Training at The Astor Home for Children states, "This is a much-needed book for foster care children…It offers a welcoming view of how children's worries and losses can be understood by a caring Play Therapist, in a warm and inviting setting." And Charles E. Schaefer, Director Emeritus for the Association for Play Therapy describes "Billy Had to Move" as an "engaging, warm-hearted story…Highly recommended!"
About the Author
Theresa Ann Fraser is a mother, foster parent, Child and Youth Worker, Educator and Play Therapist. Her bibliotherapy book, "Billy Had To Move," is based on the children she has known after working in Children's Mental Health over the last twenty-five years.
"Billy Had to Move" (ISBN 9781932690873, Loving Healing Press, 2009) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www. theresafraser. com. Publicity contact: www. ReaderViews. com. Review copies available upon request.
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