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.

The story behind Bethany Christian Services' name

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.’”

The process of becoming an adoptive family takes time, like it would for any blended family. So don’t panic if the bonding between siblings is less than ideal.

Adoptive parents may experience anxiety when unusual behavior appears in their adopted adolescent child. But it’s common. As long as the journey is more forward than backward, you’re moving in the right direction.

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.