Two teens in foster care share four qualities that matter for fostering teens.

Bryon shares his story about being adopted as a teen from foster care.

Jonathan shares his story about being adopted as a teen from foster care.

Rather than competing, kinship care and foster care often complement each other, giving children the safe care they need.

As kinship care becomes the preferred first placement option for children entering foster care, with family members and close family friends serving as caregivers, foster parents may wonder, “Do you still need me?” Absolutely, we do.

A phone call changed John and Mary’s family, and overnight they went from grandparents to parenting their young granddaughter for more than two years. Reflecting on that experience, they ask, “What could we have done to make a bigger difference in her life? What could have been more important—or more fun?”

Rebecca’s calling is clear to invest in the next generation. “The impact you can make is to show teens: 'You’re worthy of love. You’re worthy of having someone be part of your life. There’s hope in your future.’”

There are no guarantees when raising children, and I've learned to let go of some of my expectations and love my children no matter what.

While you may be drawn to fostering to love a child, please realize some kids aren’t ready to be loved—not by a stranger.

Just because I work in foster care didn’t make it easier when strangers made comments to or about my family, but I found it helpful to have a ready response. Here are five I often used to diffuse an awkward or insensitive comment.