Writing

Glossary

Child Bridge utilizes mission-specific language that may be uncommon or have meanings, definitions or connotations that differ when used outside of foster/adoptive context.

Definitions

Child Bridge utilizes mission-specific language that may be uncommon or have meanings, definitions or connotations that differ when used outside of foster/adoptive context.

Abuse
Any physical, mental, emotional or relational harm inflicted upon a child, whether done intentionally or unintentionally.
Aging out
The transition of a child from state custody/foster care to independent adulthood upon reaching the age of 18. A child that has not been permanently adopted into a family by 18 no longer qualifies for the benefits, protection and financial support offered by the state through the foster care system. Children who age out of the foster care system are often removed from their current foster home or group home shortly after their 18th birthday. At this point, the new adult is responsible for him/herself.
Biological family
Includes any and all blood relatives of a child; the family into which a child was born.
Blowout
The heightened or volatile emotional state of a child that results in a behavioral disruption, temper tantrum or meltdown.  
Disruption
When a child moves from one home to another, usually from one foster home to another, for any reason, resulting in the loss of connection and permanency for the child.
Kinship
A relative outside of a child’s immediate biological family, including mother, father or siblings. This could be a grandparent, aunt or uncle, cousin, etc.
Neglect
The failure to meet the emotional, physical, environmental and otherwise basic needs of a child.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
A branch of health care that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory or cognitive problems. This type of therapy can help children develop, improve or recover specific physical, cognitive, emotional and socials skills/functions needed to thrive in everyday life.
Permanency
The ultimate goal of foster care. This refers to the final, forever home into which a child is ultimately placed and can expect to remain for the foreseeable future. This includes but is not limited to reunification, kinship placement or adoption.
Placement
Where a child is sent to live after being removed from a living situation deemed unsuitable and/or dangerous. This term most commonly refers to the foster family with whom a child lives while their case is being resolved. [ex. This is Suzie’s third placement in two years.] In reference to a foster family, placement can also refer to a child placed in their home through foster care. [ex. The Robertsons are excited to welcome their first placement.]
Respite care
Temporary care of one or more children from foster care with the purpose of giving their foster family a break and preventing burnout. Respite care can take place for as little as a few hours and up to a few days.
Reunification
When a child leaves foster care to be reunited with the biological parent(s)/guardian(s) from whom they were originally removed. This occurs (in theory) when the child's parent(s)/guardian(s) meets the requirements set forth by the state and can adequately care for the child – or when the accused parent/guardian in question is cleared of all allegations of abuse or neglect.
Termination of Parental Rights (TBR)
The process through which a biological parent’s rights are revoked or relinquished freely, permanently removing the child from their custody. This process places the child into the custody of the state until that child is legally adopted by another family or becomes a legal adult at the age of 18.
Trauma
The negative physical, relational, emotional and psychological effects of prolonged and repeated exposure to adverse experiences. This includes but is not limited to the disrupted development in any or all of the afore-mentioned categories.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)
An attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. This unique approach to parenting is the root of Child Bridge’s training and equipping of foster/adoptive families.

Who's Who

Accurately reference specific agencies and departments involved in the foster care system by their appropriate name and according to their defined roles. As partners in caring for vulnerable children across our state, we never refer negatively to or misrepresent these agencies.

Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS or the Department) is the designated State Agency that administers the Montana Healthcare Programs.
Child and Family Services (CFS)
The stated purpose of the CFS division of DPHHS is “to protect children who have been or are at substantial risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment. CFS is the responding and active entity in state cases of child neglect and abuse. CFS is not in itself a governing entity, but usually plays a strong role in the recommended outcome of cases.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Indian Affairs provides services directly or through contracts, grants, or compacts to 574 Federally recognized tribes with a service population of approximately 2.5 million American Indian and Alaska Natives. Many tribes self-govern the foster placement and adoption of their children while others work with entities like the BIA or DPHHS. Each tribe’s regulations and system for the placement of children in care varies.