Guardian Light Family Services

Welcoming a foster child into your home is an incredible moment filled with excitement and nervousness. Here are five essential tips to help you navigate that crucial first week.

1. Create a Welcoming Space

Before your foster child arrives, prepare their room with essentials and a few welcoming touches. A new bedspread, some stuffed animals, and age-appropriate books can help them feel at home.

2. Establish Routine Early

Children thrive on routine, especially those who've experienced instability. Try to establish regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily rhythms from day one.

3. Be Patient with Communication

Your foster child may need time to open up. Create opportunities for conversation without forcing it, and remember that trust builds gradually.

4. Document Everything

Keep detailed notes about your child's behaviors, needs, and progress. This information is valuable for caseworkers and helps track important developments.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Foster parenting is rewarding but challenging. Make sure you're getting enough rest, accepting help from your support system, and taking time for self-care.

Guardian Light & it's team exemplifies the transformative impact of family support and foster care by creating nurturing environments where children can heal, grow, and thrive. This company really does stand out for its unwavering commitment to matching children with compassionate, well-prepared foster families and offering ongoing support to both the children and caregivers!

Jessica Kenyon

This company is such a necessary part to the foster care system. This is vital for the community, these foster care homes to help these children

David Karmazin

The dedication and values of this company and the team are inspiring. If you're considering opening your hearts and home to a child or children in need, I would encourage you to contact this team.

Jessica Riley

Targeted Help for Nebraska Families

Family Support workers partner with parents and caregivers to enhance protective factors within their households using evidence-based practices — aiming for safety, permanency and well-being.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Services include parenting-time/supervised visits, drug-testing services and broad family-support outreach across Nebraska, helping families navigate multiple needs in one place.

Trusted Public-Sector Partnership

The program works under contract with the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) for referred clients, which reinforces credibility and regulatory alignment.

Local Access and Statewide Coverage

While based in North Platte, GLFS's Family Support services reach families throughout Nebraska — providing accessible support whether you're urban or rural.

Holistic Support, Not Just Crisis Intervention

Rather than only reacting to issues, the program supports parents and guardians proactively with coaching, resources and education to strengthen the overall family system.

Mission-Driven Impact and Measurable Reach

The agency reports having served hundreds of families in recent years, showcasing both experience and community commitment.

5 Tips for Your First Week as a Foster Parent