How We Root for Birth Families

Having your children removed by Child Protective Services is one of the worst things that can happen to a parent. Unfortunately for many of these families, it’s not the only crisis they are facing. Usually the abuse or neglect that leads to removal follows a string of other struggles with finances, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, or loss of a loved one. Pair that with a lack of resources, support or positive role models for parenting, and the outcomes are rarely what we’d hope for.

When families choose to foster through PCHAS, they don’t just sign up to love on kids and welcome them into their home—they step directly into the story of children and their family. A new foster dad shared: “I knew a lot about poverty and the challenges that people can face, but when I met his birth mom for the first time, it really opened my eyes. It was obvious that she loved him, but the odds were stacked against her. She had a really hard past and didn’t have any support as a mom.”

Many birth parents involved with the system were once in foster care themselves; they grew up experiencing trauma and instability. Fostering families aren’t expected to resolve generations of pain and hardship, but the support of a foster parent can mean the world to a birth parent who feels they have no one in their corner. A foster family’s respect and compassion toward a birth family positively impacts the children in their care, as well.

Kelley, a PCHAS foster mom in Houston, creates a life book to share with the birth family during visitation. She includes a letter to introduce herself and reassure them that their child is safe in a loving home. She shares pictures and updates each week to keep the family included in all that is happening in their child’s life. This simple gesture creates a platform for the two families to form a relationship as they communicate about a child’s progress.

In Wichita Falls, Sharon developed a bond with the birth mother of children in her care and even became a mentor to the mom. Like many birth families, this mom had experienced challenges in her own upbringing and missed some important lessons. One day, she called Sharon, embarrassed, and told her that she didn’t know how to install a car seat. “I realized this woman wants to do better and has nowhere to turn,” Sharon said. She saw the woman’s willingness to ask for help as a strength. Today, this mom is doing great and she’s raising her kids with the support she needs.

We root for birth families because we believe God created every one of us in His image, we believe every person has worth and value, we believe everyone has the capacity to change, and we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue a better life for their family.

Are you willing to root for birth families? We have a team of great coaches to support you. Connect with a Foster Care & Adoption Guide at 281-324-0544 or fosteradopt@pchas.org.

Why We Root for Birth Families