7 Reasons You Should Foster

Why Become a Foster Parent?

Foster parents aren’t heroes. And they’ll be the first to tell you so. They don’t have extra helpings of patience, more stable finances, less hectic schedules or tougher hearts than anyone else. They aren’t special. The men and women who step into foster care are normal people with normal struggles and limitations. The only difference — they said yes anyway.

Here are some of the reasons why you should too. ‍

1. Jesus tells us to.

The charge to care for children without families came directly from Jesus to His followers. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

God loves these children. He hears their cries and calls us, His people, to their defense. (Isaiah 1:17) In short, God loves foster care. And out of that love, He abundantly equips and blesses those who are willing to obey. ‍

2. Foster care is pro-life in action.

If all life is truly precious, then we must protect it not just by preventing abortions but by caring for children who’ve suffered abuse and neglect. Foster care values life beyond birth by giving children not only the chance to live, but to thrive. Foster parents show their kids their worth, not just as a human being but as beloved child of God, uniquely and wonderfully made. And it’s impact can reach even beyond this life.

One former foster youth looks back at her foster family and credits them with not only her life, but her eternity. Through foster care, you get the opportunity to introduce a child to the One who created them.

3. Communities thrive when its children do.

Consider some of the biggest social issues facing our communities across Montana — homelessness, drug abuse, human trafficking, prison overcrowding. How better to pro-actively address these issues than to give the next generation the tools and relationships they need to rise above them?

Foster care is truly a backyard mission. You are taking children who have suffered the unthinkable and giving them hope for a brighter future. As German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” When we care for our neighbors’ children, we lift the entire neighborhood higher.

4. Foster care is good for your kids.

Many prospective foster parents voice their concerns about how fostering might affect their own children. But most parents who have brought these special kids into their families have a different perspective. Fostering teaches children unconditional love, service, compassion and empathy in a way nothing else ever could. It also enables your family to put the values you teach into practice and to share those values with kids from hard places.

Opening your home to a child who needs one provides unique opportunities for everyone involved. It won’t always be easy. Your children will at times share in their foster siblings’ hurt, experience the grief of loss through reunification and have to sacrifice some of their space and time. But they will also learn gratitude, compassion and responsibility. They’ll discover how blessed they are and how those blessings multiply when used to help others.

5. These children need you.

Each year, thousands of children enter Montana’s foster care system. And right now, there aren’t near enough families to care for them all. These kids were removed from their homes and families through no fault of their own. They’ve been abused and neglected. They’ve been hurt and forgotten. They need someone to give them hope, someone to show them that they matter.  

Without a family to care for them, these kids cannot heal from the trauma in their pasts. They’re waiting for someone to see them and to give them a chance. Whether you’re brand new to parenting, already have a houseful of children or are an empty nester on the brink of retirement, you can be that person. And if not you, then who? ‍

6. You can.

You may be thinking, “I can’t foster. I’m not married. I don’t make enough money. I’m too old.” But you might be surprised to learn that the things holding you back don’t actually disqualify you. Single parents can foster. Low-income parents can foster. Disabled parents, newlywed parents, working parents, even grandparents can foster. There is no age limit, and no experience required.

Yes, certain aspects of your life may limit the number, gender or ages of kids you can comfortably foster. But there are very few factors that would prevent you from fostering altogether. You don’t need to give a child everything to give them what they need most — a family.

7. You will never have to do it alone.

No matter what challenges come with your decision to foster, you can rest assured that Child Bridge will be there to help every step of the way. From the very beginning, you will have access to trainings, resources, events and community to support you through it all. Fellow foster parents who have been where you are will gather around you to encourage and advise you. You have a community waiting to welcome and support you as you step out in faith.

Listen to how Phill and Emily watched their lives change when they started fostering within a community.

In all likelihood, your life will never “slow down” no matter how long you wait. You will never feel ready or fully qualified. Thankfully, these kids don’t need perfect parents. And neither does God. These kids simply need someone to love them, and God promises to equip and sustain those who say, “I will.”  

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