A poignant Facebook post is making waves online, shedding light on the painful realities that foster children endure. Last week, foster parent Emily shared her experiences on her page, Foster Your Heart Out, capturing the attention of many and garnering over 42,000 shares and 6 million views in just a few days.
“Court today,” she began her heartfelt message. “I had to keep my hand on something because it was shaking. The proceedings felt more like a bureaucratic formality than a compassionate process. ‘Does anyone want the child? Are you sure? No? Alright, we’ll be back in a few weeks to wrap up paperwork.’”
The ‘child’ in question is a boy who holds a special place in Emily’s heart, sitting beside her and trying to hide the tears streaming down his face.
As a foster mom to a 13-year-old son and a biological mother to two younger children, Emily expressed her concerns over society’s unrealistic expectations for foster children.
“We expect them to behave like responsible members of society, yet we often drop them off at strangers’ homes with their belongings stuffed in trash bags,” she wrote. “Then, we send them to schools to process their emotions and wonder why they face expulsion. We label them as troubled kids when they react with anger and frustration.”
Emily’s post highlights the urgent need for foster parents and the vital support that communities should provide. “Why are our juvenile detention centers overcrowded? Because our child welfare courtrooms are empty,” she concluded.
After becoming aware of the dire need for compassionate homes, Emily and her husband began researching adoption and foster care options. “Once you see that need, you can’t unsee it,” she shared. “You start to recognize the faces of children in your community longing for safety, stability, and love.”
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, approximately 427,910 children were in foster care in the U.S. as of September 30, 2015, with most entering the system around age 6. They typically stay in care for a month to two years.
Becoming a foster parent varies by state but usually involves interviews, background checks, and home visits. One of Emily’s toughest challenges was obtaining a license for their home. “Fighting to help a teen accept love is tough, but it’s worth it,” she remarked.
While fostering can be emotionally taxing, she believes the impact of love on a child is immeasurable. “These kids need love more than you need to shield your heart,” she stated.
If fostering isn’t feasible, there are numerous ways to contribute. For example, becoming a respite care provider can offer short-term relief to foster families. Volunteering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters can also make a significant difference. Emily encourages people to donate time, resources, or even simple essentials like food and toiletries to local foster families.
“Find out who the foster families are in your area,” she suggested. “Help out with meals or supplies. Every little bit counts.”
She also mentioned sponsoring a foster child for summer camp or donating gift cards for birthdays as meaningful gestures.
In whatever capacity you choose to help—whether as a foster parent, mentor, or supporter—the time to take action is now. “These kids need you,” Emily reminded us. “They need your messy home, your hectic life, and even your off-key singing in the car.”
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In summary, Emily’s heartfelt post serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional struggles faced by children in foster care and the essential role that love and community support play in their lives.