More Than One Way To Say Yes

One of my favorite parts of working in child welfare, specifically foster parent recruitment, is not necessarily when someone tells me they are ready to become a foster parent, although that is exciting. 

It is often when I am out in the community and meet someone who has thought about fostering or helping in some way, but because of their own perceived roadblocks, they rule themselves out before they ever raise their hand or ask a question. 

Let’s be honest. Sometimes it feels easier to decide for ourselves that we probably would not qualify than it is to put ourselves out there. 

That is one of the reasons I love meeting people where they are. It is in those everyday conversations that someone courageously says, “I’ve thought about fostering, but it’s never felt like the right time,” or “I’m divorced,” or “I have that one thing on my record.” 

If we dig a little deeper, we find that everyone has lived a life. And sometimes the experiences people think disqualify them are the very things that help them connect with others. 

Opening even one person’s mind to an opportunity, even if that opportunity does not result in the “yes” we first imagined, is one of the best parts of my job. 

I have also learned that supporting children and families involved in foster care does not always mean becoming a licensed foster parent. There is more than one way to say yes. 

Respite Care: Giving Foster Families Room to Breathe 

Becoming a foster parent is deeply rewarding, but it is also genuinely demanding. Even the most experienced foster families need opportunities to recharge, attend to family emergencies, or simply catch their breath. That is where respite caregivers make an incredible difference. 

Respite providers care for children for a weekend or a few days, allowing foster parents to step away knowing the children in their care are safe, supported, and cared for. 

While respite caregivers complete a licensing process, the commitment often fits families who want to be meaningfully involved without fostering full time. In the best cases, what begins as a weekend off can develop into an extension of a family’s support system. 

I have watched foster parents return feeling refreshed, encouraged, and ready to continue caring for children who need them. 

Showing Up Consistently

Not every youth involved in the child welfare system needs another program. Sometimes what they simply need is another trusted adult. 

Someone who shows up consistently. Someone who is genuinely interested in them. Someone who celebrates small wins and does not disappear when things get hard. 

That might look like a coach who remembers their birthday, a church member who checks in regularly, a neighbor who celebrates milestones, or a mentor who keeps showing up, even when life gets messy. 

Research consistently reminds us that one caring, consistent relationship can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future. While formal mentoring programs certainly exist, many meaningful mentoring relationships begin naturally within our own communities. 

Be a Voice for Foster Care 

One of the simplest ways to support foster care does not cost anything at all. It starts with talking about it. 

Many people are not opposed to becoming foster parents, but they simply do not understand it. They may have never met a foster parent or realized how many different ways there are to help. 

I have learned that when we replace assumptions with honest conversations, people begin to see themselves differently. Sometimes all it takes is hearing someone say, “You do not have to foster to make a difference.” 

By sharing accurate information, celebrating foster families, or inviting others to attend an informational meeting are all easy ways to support youth. You never know whose perspective you might change with one conversation. 

Every “Yes” Matters

Working in foster parent recruitment has taught me something I will not forget. Very few people tell me they do not care about children in foster care, it’s just that most simply are not sure where they fit. 

My hope is that every conversation, and every article like this one, helps someone discover they already have a place in the village. 

Some people become foster parents. Some provide respite care. Some mentor. Some donate. Some advocate. Some pray. Some simply encourage a foster parent who is wondering if they can keep going. 

Every one of those “yeses” matters. 

At SAFY, we know supporting children and families has never been the responsibility of one family alone but has always been the work of a community. 

So, if you have ever wondered whether you have something to offer children and families involved in foster care, the answer is yes. You do not have to say yes to everything. You simply have to find your place in the village and SAFY can help you find the right fit.

Connect with your local SAFY team or email info@safy.org to start the conversation. We’ll help you explore ways to support children and families in your community.