A recent Facebook post by foster mom Emily has gone viral, shedding light on the heartbreaking experiences that foster children endure while highlighting their urgent need for empathy and support. Emily, who runs the page Foster Love, shared her thoughts after a court hearing that left her shaken and reflective.
“Court today,” she began. “I found myself gripping the armrest because my hands were trembling. The proceedings felt sterile, devoid of any compassion. ‘Does anyone want this child? Are you sure? No? Alright, we’ll be back in a few weeks to finish the paperwork.’”
The ‘child’ in question, a boy she deeply cares for, was sitting next to her, absorbing every word, and trying to conceal the tears streaming down his face.
Emily, a foster parent to a 14-year-old son along with being the biological mother of toddlers, poignantly articulated the unrealistic expectations society places on foster children. “We expect them to behave like responsible members of society, yet we send them off to strangers with their belongings packed in garbage bags. Then we make them endure court hearings that would unnerve any adult. After that, they are expected to manage their emotions at school, and we shake our heads when they face expulsion. We tell them to avoid trouble but label them as ‘troublemakers’ when they express their anger and frustration.”
Her post struck a nerve, garnering over 50,000 shares and 8 million views in just a few days. Emily emphasized the critical need for more foster parents and broader community involvement. “Why are our juvenile detention centers overflowing? Because our family courtrooms are nearly empty,” she concluded.
Having researched the foster system after contemplating adoption, Emily described the overwhelming need she discovered. “Once you recognize the need, it’s impossible to ignore. You start seeing the faces and hearing the voices of children in your community who are desperate for safety, stability, and love.”
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, there were approximately 423,000 children in foster care as of late 2015, with nearly half placed in non-relative foster homes. Most children enter care at around age 6 and typically stay for one month to two years.
The process of becoming a foster parent varies by state but usually involves background checks, interviews, training, and home visits. Emily highlighted the licensing process as one of the toughest hurdles, but she believes the challenge is worth it. “Even when it’s heartbreaking to see a child leave, knowing you’ve made a positive impact on their life through love is invaluable. These kids need love more than you need to shield your heart.”
If fostering isn’t feasible for you, there are numerous other ways to help. Volunteering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or donating time, money, and goods to local foster care agencies can significantly impact a foster child’s life. Emily suggested ways to support foster families, such as bringing over meals or essential supplies.
“Find out who the foster families are in your community,” she advised. “Drop off dinner, snacks, or even basic household items because every bit helps.” She also encouraged sponsoring a foster child for summer camp or donating gift cards for birthday presents.
Regardless of how you choose to help—whether as a foster parent, mentor, or supporter—the time to act is now. “These kids need you,” Emily reminded us. “They need your busy life, your laughter, and even your off-key singing in the car.”
In conclusion, fostering can have a profound impact on a child’s life, and if you’re inspired to help, there are many avenues available to make a difference. For those interested in home insemination, check out our post on the artificial insemination kit. Also, for men seeking to boost their fertility, this resource could be beneficial. And for families navigating pregnancy, the March of Dimes offers excellent information.
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