Sonia (FA Staff): What motivated you to become a foster parent? How has your initial motivation evolved over time?

Teri (Foster Parent): After getting a relative foster license years ago, and eventually adopting those boys, we knew we wanted to pursue traditional foster care to help more where we can with a specific focus on ICWA kids. I see myself wanting to recruit more folks to get licensed. I'm always posting on Facebook about how great the need is and hope to have more folks apply to FA.  

 

Sonia: What are some of the brightest aspects of fostering? Tell me about a specific moment that has stood out?

Teri: Knowing that you have positively impacted kids has been a highlight for me. I had two kids that left and went back with mom,  weeks later they called me just to say hi and tell me how they've been doing. That sticks out to me as a sweet moment.  

 

Sonia: How has fostering affected your family dynamic, including your relationship with your biological children (if applicable) and other family members?

Teri: All of my kids help with the foster children. They are excited at the door anytime a new kid comes, they feed babies, rock toddlers and share with older kids. We openly talk, within reason, with our bio kids about what is going on in the cases of each kid. As a family we pray for their birth parents. It has opened their little child minds that these kids are coming from tough places, they need love and healthy relationships. It has been sweet to see my kids step in where they are needed and do this work along side us. 

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Sonia: What kind of support or resources from Family Alternatives have been most helpful to you? What additional support do you think would be beneficial?

Teri: I have loved meeting other families through the events they put on. It's a community feeling, we can all understand each other. I love that the staff at FA actually answer the phone and respond to my texts or emails. Anything I need they make sure to help with. I honestly don't know how FA could be any better. 

 

Sonia: Why family alternatives? 

Teri: I was previously licensed with the county and there is honestly no comparison. You actually feel loved and valued at FA. They know this work is SO hard and they are a constant encouragement and open ear for me. I can vent to my worker and she hears me out, feels my pain and brings me coffee so I'll feel better 

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