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?”

Our kids saw foster care as exciting—Yay! A new brother or sister!—but they soon realized there was more to it than that. Our life as a family flipped upside down with each new placement, so we followed these guidelines to make sure our kids were not overwhelmed.

Talk honestly with your children about what foster care is and how having another child in your home will affect them.

Church ministries should be making it evident that all are welcome and cared for—including foster families.

Too many families are one crisis away from disaster. And single parents who don’t have a strong support system are particularly vulnerable. As Safe Families volunteers, Jim and Carol have seen the difference it makes when families can build a network of support.

Most of us could call on on friends or family to help if we faced a crisis. But too many families don't have this network of support. And when parents are vulnerable, their kids are too.

Strong families need what we all need—to be safe, loved, and connected. Especially in difficult times. Five protective factors contribute to stronger families.