The topic of harassment draws attention from all sides. Harassment is an act that is prohibited in almost all segments of society. In workplaces, an employee can easily be terminated if found guilty of harassment. In the foster care system, it is not appropriate for biological parents to harass foster parents. Even though this is crystal clear, there are still cases of biological parents harassing foster parents every now and then.

Why do Biological Parents Harass Foster Parents 

There are several reasons why biological parents may harass foster parents. Some of the common reasons are:

Emotional distress: A biological parent may be struggling with a range of emotions, including grief, anger, and frustration, because of their child being placed in foster care. They may direct these emotions towards the foster parent as a way of coping with their own feelings.

Disagreement with the foster care arrangement: A biological parent may disagree with the decision to place their child in foster care or may be unhappy with the foster parent or the foster care arrangement. They may express their frustration or hostility towards the foster parent.

Difficulty accepting the loss of control: Biological parents may find it difficult to accept that they no longer have control over their child’s care and may attempt to exert control through harassing behavior.

Personal issues or mental health challenges: A biological parent may be struggling with personal issues or mental health challenges that contribute to their behavior.

It is important to remember that the biological parent’s behavior is not the foster parent’s fault.

Related: Why Foster Parents Quit 

Common Signs of Biological Parent Harassing Foster Parents 

There are several signs that a foster parent may be harassed by a biological parent. Some common signs include:

Unwanted communication: This entails the biological parent constantly calling, texting, or emailing you as the foster parent, or showing up unannounced at your home. Remember that biological parents must plan for their visits or inform you, the case worker of the foster agency earlier. Showing up unannounced should raise a red flag.

Threatening or aggressive behavior: Some biological parents may make threats, use aggressive language, and behave in a threatening or intimidating manner toward the foster parent. This is unacceptable since the foster parent is doing nothing wrong by taking care of the foster child. As a foster parent, you should be careful about how you react to these behaviors. This is because the situation may easily escalate if not handled in the right way.

Disrespectful behavior: A biological parent who has the intent of harassment is disrespectful towards the foster parent. Also, such a parent may speak to the foster parent in a condescending or demeaning way even in front of the foster child.

Disruptive behavior: Biological parents who have a harassment habit cause disruptions in the foster parent’s home. This includes making a scene, arguing with the foster parent, or causing damage to property.

Disregarding boundaries: This sign entails a biological parent not respecting the boundaries set by the foster parent. It also entails attempts to overstep their boundaries by trying to control the foster parent’s decisions or actions.

Consequences of Biological Parents Harassing Foster Parents 

There can be serious consequences for biological parents who harass foster parents. Harassment is a form of domestic violence and is illegal in many jurisdictions. If the harassment continues or becomes threatening, it may be necessary to involve law enforcement or seek legal remedies as previously mentioned. Biological parents who have been found guilty of harassment may face criminal charges or be subject to a restraining order.

In addition to legal consequences, harassment of foster parents can also have serious negative impacts on the foster child. If the foster parent is unable to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child due to the harassment, the child may be removed from the foster home and placed with a different foster family. This can be traumatic for the child, who may have already experienced loss and disruption in their life. Taking them from one foster home to another would be detrimental to them.

Related: When Should a Foster Parent Hire an Attorney

What Should Biological Parents do When Harassed by Foster Parents

If you are a foster parent and are experiencing harassment from the biological parents of a foster child in your care, it is crucial to report this to your foster care agency or the case worker immediately. Foster care agencies have protocols in place to address such situations and provide support and guidance to you. In case the harassment continues or becomes threatening, it may be necessary to seek legal remedies or involve law enforcement.

It is important to remember that as a foster parent, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the foster child in your care. If the biological parents’ behavior is disrupting your ability to fulfill this responsibility, it is important to seek help and support from your foster care agency and other resources.

How Can Foster Parent Manage Harassment from Biological Parents

If you are a foster parent and you are experiencing harassment from the biological parent of a foster child in your care, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and the child. Some suggestions for managing harassment from a biological parent are:

Communicate with your foster care agency: This is the best cause of action in managing harassment from a biological parent. Foster care agencies have protocols in place to address situations of harassment and provision of support and guidance. Reporting any incident of harassment to your agency as soon as possible places you in a better position to enjoy the services.

Document the harassment: In case of any harassment, foster parents ought to keep a record of any incidents of harassment, including the date, time, and details of what happened. This can be helpful if you need to involve law enforcement or seek legal remedies.

Set boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries to the biological parent and enforce them consistently. This may include limiting or prohibiting contact or set rules for communication. For example, only allowing phone calls at certain times. For this to work out, you will have to stand your ground.

Seek support: Talk to someone you trust about the harassment, such as a friend, family member, or mental health professional. It can be helpful to have a support system in place to help you cope with the stress and emotions of the situation.

Consider legal remedies: If the harassment continues or becomes threatening, you may need to seek legal remedies, such as a restraining order or criminal charges. Your foster care agency or a legal professional can provide more information concerning your options. This is why it’s important to involve them in case of harassment.

Related: Ending a Foster Care Placement

Final Thoughts 

It is important for biological parents to respect the role of foster parents and to support their efforts to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children. If you are a biological parent and are struggling with your own emotions and feelings related to foster care, it is important to seek support and guidance from your foster care agency and other resources.

If harassment is disrupting your ability to fulfill this responsibility, it may be necessary to seek additional support or resources to address the situation.