A heartfelt Facebook post is gaining widespread attention for highlighting the painful realities that children in foster care confront regularly—a situation that “would shake any adult.” Last week, foster parent Emily shared her experience on her Facebook page, Foster Love & Care, which quickly resonated with many, amassing over 42,000 shares and 6 million views within just a few days.
“Court today,” she began. “I had to grip something to steady my shaking hands. The proceedings felt cold and legal, void of empathy. ‘Does anyone want the child? Are you sure? No? Okay, we’ll return in a few weeks to finalize the paperwork.’”
She continued, “The ‘child’ in question is a boy I care deeply for. He sat next to me, hearing every word, trying to wipe away the tear rolling down his cheek.” Emily is a foster mom to a 13-year-old son and biological mother to a two-year-old and a three-year-old. Her post shed light on the apathy and unrealistic expectations society places on foster children.
“We expect them to behave like model citizens, yet we send them to strangers’ homes with their belongings packed in garbage bags. We then make them endure court hearings that would rattle any adult, only to drop them off at school to grapple with their emotions. And when they act out, we shake our heads, labeling them as troubled kids,” she pointed out.
Emily emphasized the urgent need for foster parents, as well as the understanding and support from the broader community. “Why are our juvenile detention centers overcrowded? Because our family courtrooms are empty,” she concluded.
She and her husband became aware of the staggering need for foster care while researching adoption options. “Once you see that need, it becomes impossible to ignore. You begin to see the faces and hear the voices of local children longing for safety, stability, and love—it’s all-consuming,” she explained.
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, an estimated 427,910 children were in foster care as of September 30, 2015, with nearly half placed in non-relative foster homes. The average age of a new entrant into the foster system was six years old, and many children remain in care for one to two years.
The process of becoming a foster parent varies by state, often involving interviews, background checks, training, home visits, and possibly medical evaluations. Emily noted that securing their home’s license was one of the most challenging aspects, alongside the struggle to help a teenager accept love—a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly.
Despite the difficulties and the heartache that comes when a child leaves, Emily believes the impact of fostering is invaluable. “These children need love far more than you need to shield your heart,” she stated.
While fostering is one of the most direct ways to support a child in need, there are numerous other ways to help. For example, consider becoming a licensed respite care provider to give foster parents short-term relief. You might also volunteer with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Boys and Girls Club, which can profoundly influence a foster child’s life.
Donating time, money, and essential items to local foster care organizations can also make a real difference. Emily recommended connecting with local foster families—“Bring them dinner, drop off snacks, or essential supplies. These gestures mean so much.” She also suggested sponsoring a foster child for summer camp or donating gift cards to local foster care agencies for children’s birthdays.
Regardless of how you choose to assist—whether by fostering, mentoring, or supporting a foster family—the time to act is now. “These kids need you,” Emily reminded us. “They need your busy lives and your laughter. They need to see you in your imperfect, beautiful reality.”
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In summary, Emily’s post serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional toll faced by children in foster care and the urgent need for community involvement and compassion. Whether through fostering or other forms of support, we all have the capacity to make a positive impact.