Extended Foster Care Explained
In some cases, young adults aging out of foster care qualify for extended time. Extended foster care allows a youth who would otherwise age out of the system to remain in state custody beyond age 18. Laws and requirements vary by state and change frequently, but almost every state provides a version of it. All […]
Restoring Trust: Ryan and the Collins Family
All families experience highs and lows. Yet in foster and adoption cases, trauma and past hurt often create additional, complex difficulties. Eva and Allen Collins encountered profound challenges when they welcomed their adopted son, Ryan. Sadly, Ryan carried trauma caused by past neglect and physical abuse, and he struggled with behaviors that reflected his mistrust. […]
How Can My Church Get Involved in Child Welfare?
When looking for ways to get involved in child welfare, many churches struggle to start. Pastoral staff often have limited time or manpower, which makes starting a program from scratch unrealistic. Others may not know where to begin given the complexity of the child welfare crisis in America. However, we at For Others understand the […]
Prepare for a Home Study: What You Should Know
When looking to foster or adopt, families undergo a home study to determine their readiness to take in a child. A licensed social worker evaluates the home’s safety, runs background checks, and sometimes conducts interviews. Preparing for a home study can be an exciting yet daunting step for families looking to foster or adopt a […]
Building a Bright Future: Tony’s Story
Teens and young adults need love and support just as much as younger children, especially those affected by the child welfare crisis. During a transitional age, instability often exacerbates the challenging aspects of growing up. Youth without support systems are left to navigate their struggles alone, frequently leading to negative outcomes in adulthood. This is […]
Safe and Sound: Amelia Learns to Trust Her Foster Father
While the children who come to Big Oak Girls’ Ranch each bring their own story, there is something that nearly every one lacks: a father. Big Oak Ranch’s campuses look like normal neighborhoods with brick houses. The only difference is that they’re all foster homes. Two houseparents, a foster mom and dad, live in each […]
Growing Together: Building a Stronger Family
Building a stronger family takes patience, love, and hard work. Thankfully, amazing foster and adoptive parents are up for the task. Sara and Kyle began their foster journey by taking short-term placements, offering care for a few weeks at a time. But everything changed when they received a call about three siblings who needed a […]
New Year’s Resolutions for Foster Families
As the New Year approaches, foster families have a unique opportunity to create New Year’s resolutions to support the children in their care. While resolutions sometimes feel like wishful thinking, they also offer a framework for meaningful, achievable goals that enrich the lives of foster families. We share seven manageable New Year’s resolutions for foster […]
Mentorship Matters: Real Stories
In an atmosphere such as foster care where impermanence and instability prevail, many young people and families lack a solid support system. Children, young adults, and parents often find themselves with no one to help bear their burdens or walk with them through seasons of difficulty. Mentorship provides a foundational, supportive, and loving relationship that […]
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Adverse childhood experiences, also known as ACEs, refer to traumatic events that occur during a child’s formative years. These range from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse to neglect, household dysfunction, or witnessing violence. Studies show that such experiences can lead to numerous negative outcomes, particularly when it comes to child development. What Are Adverse Childhood […]
How a NEEDTOBREATHE Concert Led a Family to Foster
When people think of NEEDTOBREATHE, they often think of the band’s depth of sound, thoughtful lyrics, and incredible musical talent. While all of those things are true, the members will tell you it’s not just about the music. NEEDTOBREATHE believes in music as a vehicle for change and, with this mission in mind, the band […]
Possum Trot: How One Texas Church Adopted 77 Children
If you put Possum Trot, Texas into your preferred map app, chances are it won’t show up. Much of Possum Trot consists of dirt roads and a country landscape. Located in Shelby County, about as far east as you can go before hitting Louisiana, most residents come from working-class families. Yet one church in this […]
