Being in foster care often means a child is living through a painful story, suspended in time; awaiting uncertain outcomes; dealing with layers of trauma; commonly facing separation from siblings; coping with other layers loss (even if temporarily) of extended…
(Guest blog- Abby Crooks) Have you ever played in the ocean and you’re floating and diving in the waves and then suddenly when you look up you’re nowhere near your friends and family on shore where you got in? As…
Insights from birth children in a foster/adoptive home “What if this ruins his life?” I understand the question. It’s one my husband and I struggled with at the beginning of our fostering journey shortly after our first child was born. …
(Guest blog- Abby Crooks) Years ago our adventure-seeking family went rock climbing in Wyoming. We’d been to rock climbing gyms, and we were ready to take on a real boulder! We quickly realized we weren’t prepared: our eyes couldn’t see…
We are pleased to announce four new webinars listed for online viewing. Three of the webinars have the option to obtain recertification credit and are geared towards those who are fostering/have adopted or those considering (if you watch all three,…
We often hear what is needed to be a good foster parent: love, commitment, flexibility, compassion, and patience to name a few. However, we often forget to mention the things that AREN’T needed. My husband and I first went through…
“Whoever tells the best story shapes the culture.” ― Erwin McManus Currently for most Americans, the known narrative around foster care is either non-existent because the majority of people know little about it, or it’s perceived as a space primarily…
French writer, Simone Weil once said, “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.” Part of the mission of America’s Kids Belong is helping kids do just that. To be rooted and…
Trauma is a buzzword right now but one that we cannot overlook when it comes to helping youth in foster care or who have been adopted. We are thrilled to have Ryan and Kayla North join us as we dive…
America’s Kids Belong’s 2024 FosterCon webinar series held an online webinar (now available online) titled Fostering Permanency. The webinar featured Pam Willis, who along with her husband, found her “Yes” in her 50s, after raising five bio kids. The couple…
In the realm of foster care, few voices resonate as deeply as that of Dr. John DeGarmo. As the founder of The Foster Care Institute, Dr. DeGarmo has dedicated his life to guiding families through the complexities of the foster…
Reunification. A word that often creates high emotions and deep pain for foster families. A word that creates hope and a second chance for biological families. Reunification. The goal of foster care. When I chat with families interested in fostering,…
