06/13/2025
People say we need more foster parents.
But that’s not the whole truth.
We don’t just need more.
We need better.
We need the kind who don’t show up with savior complexes.
The kind who know foster care isn’t a shortcut to adoption or a way to fill a crib and feel good about it.
We need foster parents who can hold space for a family to heal.
Even if that means their arms end up empty.
We need the ones who will root for reunification,
Even when it rips them wide open.
The ones who stay when the honeymoon ends.
When the trauma shows up in rage, in shutdowns, in broken trust.
When the child they’re loving through clenched teeth shouts “I hate you!”
And they don’t walk away.
We need foster parents who understand that trauma isn’t a phase.
It’s not cute.
It’s not fixed with bedtime prayers and snacks.
It’s messy.
It’s heavy.
And it’s holy.
This isn’t charity work.
It’s not a photo op.
It’s not something you do to feel needed.
It’s about showing up when it’s hard.
It’s about staying when no one claps.
It’s about helping a child feel safe—even if you never get a thank you.
Even if you never get to be “forever.”
We need the kind of people who can hold space for broken beginnings,
And not make it about themselves.
Who will let kids be angry, guarded, confused,
And still tuck them in with love every night.
Foster care isn’t supposed to be easy.
It’s supposed to be sacred.
And these kids?
They are worth it.
Worth the tears.
Worth the courtrooms.
Worth the sleepless nights and the quiet heartbreak of goodbye.
We don’t need more foster parents.
We need the kind who will show up, stay, and fight for what’s best for the child…
Even if what’s best
isn’t them.
