May is foster care awareness month, and as a foster and adoptive mom, I would love to encourage you to become a foster parent or consider adoption through foster care.
I can’t say that, though. I love my son, and I loved every kid that I’ve ever had in my home. If being a foster parent was just about the kids and how they enrich your life and experiences. I can, without any qualms, say it is worth everything you’re put through.
The fact is there is so much more to being a foster parent. There’s so much more to adoption and extended care than can possibly be shared.
Departments and agencies and any part of the system you are expected to work within are overwhelmed. And all too often, the foster parents are left to navigate and figure it out on their own.
I was thrust into the deep end of that overwhelm without guidance or support.
My experience with the department in my state is heartache. Time and time again, we were let down by those who were supposed to support us and the kids.
The lack of support has put us in a situation that no willing foster/adoptive parents should ever deal with.
Like I said, I wish I could say that it’s worth it. But for me and my husband, despite the positive impact we had on our kiddos and their families, it isn’t.
Indomitable Bellatrix 