Foster Care & Myths: #5 - Foster Parents Have Very Few Support Systems.

Over the past several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care.

This particular myth is one that concerns many foster parents. As foster parents are trained they also learned how to develop support systems which lead to more successful outcomes. While it is true that many foster parents are like lone rangers who tend to be very self-sufficient but aren’t always taking advantage of the services and support that is available. Today I want to address those opportunities and while I call this a myth, in actuality it is like an undiscovered frontier.

The number one myth that we need to talk about is that foster parents do not have to do this alone. We might even say that foster parents are very rare commodity but many times they believe that this is a journey that they take upon themselves alone. Foster parents can in must develop a system of support which will enable them to be more intentional and feel more supported in their efforts.


For foster parents they believe that the training is they’re only support but many private organizations, especially one like White’s Residential and Family Services (White’s RFS) out of Indiana provides a empowering ministry for foster parents.

As a church – based organization, White’s RFS  teachers their foster parents to develop systems of support. For example, their own church can be very helpful in providing much-needed resources and even Christmas gifts for children in their care. Not only can their church be a support base emotionally and spiritually, they could also create a community of support that includes respite workers, childcare, prayer support, & other services.

It should also be noted that many private organizations can do more than what the state can provide because they have a network of donors and others that can assist. Organizations like White’s RFS include the following.

24/7 support. In the event that there is a concern or special need, all of our families know that they can call the hotline to receive advice, prayer, and helpful information.

Support groups and develop caring communities. Private agencies are always developing communities in networks that enhance the support of foster care services. Or example, White’s RSF Works with a network of churches where they will host events as well as collect gifts & resources for foster home families and their network.

Intentional prayer. One of the best ways that we can help foster parents is not only emotionally but also spiritually engage with them. Private organizations, especially those that are Christ – centered will provide opportunities to pray and listen to the needs a foster parents. They are able to offer or unique perspective as well as bring any emotional support when families need it most.

Caring networks go beyond simple community resources. Private organizations have the unique ability to bring together a volunteer and community level of support that empowers foster parents further develop their network of support.

As you can see, the ministry of foster care comes with many benefits because of the network of support and services that private organizations can bring.

MYTH #6 Click Here.