Foster Care Is About Restoration

I understand that sometimes children need to be protected from their parents. It’s the reality of foster care.

But above this sad reality, and informing this sad reality, is my foundational conviction that God created the family and that He longs for it to be restored.

This life of foster care is about more than just protecting. It’s about playing a part in restoring.

This means that as much as my heart may be screaming, “How could you do this? Why are you like this? Why won’t you change?” I choose to come alongside the parents I’m protecting the children from.

I’ve delivered diapers and clothing to parents who were caring for their babies for the first time after not visiting them in the hospital for four months. I’ve driven hours to bring supplies and comfort to a broken mother and her child living in rehab together.

But so much more than what I’ve done, I’ve gotten to witness what God has done.

I’ve watched these same parents regain and retain custody of their children, get apartments and jobs, stay sober after years of addiction, and grow into safe parents.

Foster care is about protection. But it’s about more than that. Foster care is about restoration.