•Introduce yourself, tell your new friend where you are from, and some background history. This will help the foster youth feel more comfortable and will help them open up.
•Ask them what their favorite things are. Even if they don't want to tell you, if you pay close attention you will be able to figure some out.
•Get to know them and make them feel like you are interested, that they have a friend, one they can trust.
•Be True. Be Respectful. Be cautious in the words you use and the topics you ask about. Some subjects are much more sensitive than others. For the sake of the foster youth, unless they bring it up themselves, avoid these touchy topics.
•Write to them as if you've known them your whole life.
•Never judge a child on where they've come from, they aren't looking for an enemy but a friend.
•Give them hope, encourage them to be strong through whatever they've faced throughout their life.
