Foster Parent Mentor Program Offers Connection, Guidance and Support
Becoming a foster parent can feel scary. It’s a transition full of questions, emotions and unknowns.
To help ease some of those fears, Wellpoint Care Network now offers a Foster Parent Mentor Program, which pairs experienced foster parents with newly licensed caregivers.
“Fostering is a very unique form of parenting,” said Kitty Burdette, foster parent mentor. “There are so many resources available that can be helpful on your fostering journey, but some of the best support and advice I have received has been from fellow foster parents.”
That’s why Burdette decided to become a mentor. Fostering nine children over the last eight years, she says she has been met with some difficult situations, but she’s learned from each one. Now she wants to take that knowledge and pass it on to others.
“When I heard about this new program, I was immediately interested,” adds Burdette. “This is what I would have wanted as a new foster parent.”
Burdette currently mentors Twana Carrington, who became a Wellpoint Care Network foster parent in early 2025. The two meet about twice a month to help bolster each other’s support system, build confidence and add new tools to their caregiver toolbox.
“It’s nice to be able to talk to somebody else who knows what you’re going through and work through challenges outside of just training itself,” Carrington said. “You get a lot of support and resources ahead of time, but when you get that little person, everything changes.”
Carrington says having someone available to her who truly understands the realities of fostering has made a meaningful difference in her journey.
“I am so grateful to have Miss Kitty as a part of my village,” Carrington said. “No matter how I’m feeling, she validates my feelings and never judges. Depending on the situation, she might say, ‘Have you given that second thought?’ or ‘Have you looked at it from this point of view?’ And I appreciate that.”
For Burdette, it comes down to making sure foster parents don’t feel alone.
“As foster parents, we talk so much about birth families, the kids and coordinating services, but there’s very little support that feels like it’s just for you. That’s what this program is. It’s about supporting what you are going through.”
Carrington hopes other new foster parents take advantage of this unique opportunity.
“If you are honest and be willing to receive feedback, then everything will be great.”
If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is the time. With comprehensive training, ongoing resources and programs like the Foster Parent Mentor Program, you’ll have support every step of the way.
Learn more about fostering with Wellpoint Care Network and how you can bring hope and stability to a child’s life.
If you are already a licensed Wellpoint Care foster parent and are interested in being connected to a mentor, please contact with your licensing specialist.
