Sonia (FA Staff): Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Let’s start by introducing yourself. Can you tell me a bit about who you are and what motivated you to become a foster parent?

Jamesha (Foster Parent): Sure! My name is Jamesha Hodge, and I am a mom of four biological children. I became a foster parent because a need arose for me to take on one child who was part of a sibling set that my mom and my sister were already getting. We didn’t want the siblings to be separated, so my husband and I decided to step in and take on the fifth child in the group. We were already a close-knit family—my mom was getting two of the kids, my sister was getting two of them—and we all see each other all the time. It just didn’t make sense to separate these kids more than they already were, so we jumped in and took this baby.

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Sonia: Wow, that's a beautiful story. What was it like having a baby in your home again?

Jamesha: It was a big adjustment, but also a reminder of why I got into foster care in the first place: because the goal is always reunification. I knew when we got into this, the intention was that the babies and children would eventually go home to their families. Reunification was always my hope, but of course, there’s always the thought that reunification might not be possible, so we had to brace ourselves for that possibility.

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Sonia: Can you talk a little more about why reunification was so important to you?

Jamesha: Reunification was important because I understand that these children have a family, and that's where they belong. As foster parents, we were just a temporary solution, but our role was to support them while they worked to reunite with their biological family. That was always the hope for us—giving the child the time and space they needed to go back home. But, at the same time, we had to be ready for the reality that sometimes reunification isn't possible. It’s that balancing act between loving the child, giving them stability, and supporting the biological family while also preparing for all possible outcomes.

 

Sonia: What would you say to someone considering becoming a foster parent, but who might be unsure or hesitant?

Jamesha: I would say to them, don’t be afraid to take that step. Yes, it’s a challenge, but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. And I think it’s important to understand that foster care isn’t about “saving” children; it’s about being there for them when they need it most. 

 

Sonia: Do you have any advice for someone who might be considering becoming a foster parent?

Jamesha: I would say to anyone considering fostering to make sure you’re in the right place emotionally and mentally. Fostering is not easy—it’s a lot of work, and it comes with its fair share of challenges. But if you can go into it with an open heart, ready to love and support a child, it can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can’t do it alone, and there’s no shame in leaning on others for support. Trust the process, trust your team, and trust that you’re making a difference in a child’s life, even if it’s just for a short time. And finally, be prepared to love unconditionally, but also be prepared to say goodbye. Fostering isn’t about keeping a child forever—it’s about giving them the care they need while they’re with you, and helping them get to the place they need to be.

 

Sonia: What role has Family Alternatives played in helping you along the way?

Jamesha: Honestly, Family Alternatives has been a huge support. They’ve always had my back, and I’ve never felt alone in this process. From the very beginning, they’ve provided the resources, training, and guidance I’ve needed to be successful. In situations like this one, where I’m advocating for the parent and doing what I can to support the family, FA has been there to back me up.

They’ve provided me with the knowledge and confidence to navigate some of the more difficult aspects of the system. I’ve never felt unsupported or unsure about the decisions I’ve made because I know FA is there to help me through it.