You’ve loved kids and everyone always commented on how much of a maternal instinct you have. It comes naturally to you — caring, loving and teaching children — which is why you knew you wanted to be a mother early on. But lately you’ve been thinking about how many kids out there need a home […]
Adoption from foster care myths stem from legitimate concerns. While children are in foster care because they have been abused or neglected, they are no different than any other child and need a family to give them the love they deserve. When it comes to adopting from foster care, most people want kids who are […]
When it comes to foster parents, people have said it all. They’ve been called everything from thieves who try to steal kids from their families to money hungry people who are only in it for themselves. What are foster parents to the public? They’re misunderstood. But what are foster parents for foster children? They’re an […]
The literal definition of foster care provided by Merriam Webster is “supervised care for orphaned, neglected or delinquent children or for persons mentally ill in a substitute home or an institution on either a full-time or day-care basis.” Unfortunately, this antiquated definition of foster care is being given today – and it paints an undesirable […]
Public perception would have you believe foster children are all Little Orphan Annies or worse – juvenile delinquents responsible for their situation. What are foster children for a large part of the public? They are a stereotype, a cliché, a character in a movie or a book. But for foster parents they’re something much different: […]
Although it is beneficial to have an extra set of hands around when things go awry, single New Jerseyans have been rising to the personal challenge foster care presents – as well as rising to the expectations of thousands of disenfranchised children – for decades. Can a single person become a foster parent? This blog […]
The spectrum of films and television shows that feature foster care in some shape or form run the gamut from kid friendly tales of hope and happiness to the depressing realities of difficult situations. However, each representation from film to television has something that calls out to current and former foster parents. […]
Imagine a day when everyone tells the truth, despite obvious fears and consequences. It’s a day when everyone comes together and admits that they’re not perfect; that sometimes their first thoughts are wrong or unkind and that, every so often, they are scared. It’s a day when veteran foster parents can be open about the […]
September 28th is Ask A Stupid Question Day. Teachers started this “holiday” to encourage students to participate in class more often, without fear of being made fun of or being looked down upon. As adults, we often tell children that there’s no such thing as a stupid question, but are there some questions that, as […]
It’s not just adults who have misconceptions about foster care. Children often do as well, but they are quick to come to a compassionate and clearer understanding. “Turn a tear into a smile.” It was written in bright pink magic marker, sandwiched between a drawing of a crying blue faced moon and a bright yellow […]