The transition to permanency is a difficult time for foster children.  AAAA's bridge foster parents need to be specially equipped to work cooperatively with biological parents, potential adoptive resources, and mental health or medical professionals to build stability.

In order to promote permanency for children, bridge foster parents should be:

• Equipped with patience, flexibility and a good sense of humor;
• Willing to work with birth parents toward family reunification where safe and possible;
• Capable of preparing a child for an adoptive placement when necessary;
• Able to make a lifelong commitment to each child as a parent, mentor or friend;
• Committed to helping, supporting and encouraging every child through adolescence and adulthood.