Misconception #1

Not every African-American is a good athlete.

Not every rich person is a snot.

 

Not every poor person is lazy.

 

Not every Christian is judgmental.

 

Not every politician is corrupt.

 

Not every feminist is a lesbian.

Not every pro-life person is a hateful picketer.

Not every blonde is a ditz.

 

Not every muslim is a terrorist.

 

 

and...  NOT EVERY FOSTER PARENT DOES IT FOR THE MONEY!

We have all heard some of the horror stories of foster parents taking dozens of kids in to their homes, not really taking care of  the children because they do it all for the money.  I vividly remember a news program I watched in high school about a foster family in Denver putting their foster children in stacked cages in 1 bedroom, treating them like animals... just for the cash.   Unfortunatley, there have been a few foster families that have given the majority a bad reputation. 

Isn't that how it is with every demographic?  The few "crazies" get the media attention and then the stereotyping begins.  The majority is misunderstood. 

It's the biggest misconception about foster parents. Most foster parents would say, "What money?"  The very small stipen you do get every month usually only covers the expenses you have for that child. The majority of foster parents pay out of their own pockets to take care of these children.  Did you know several foster homes save the stipen for their child and they give it to them when they are old enough or in need (ie: college fund, etc)?  

The system has changed dramatically over the years to eliminate some of these horror stories.  It's an extensive process to make sure you are a good foster home.  They also don't allow foster families to take in more children then they, or their homes, can handle. 

Joel and I were at a mandatory training last week and I was humbled and honored to be sitting in the room with so many wonderful foster families. These families are some of the most loving, compassionate, selfless people I have ever met.  These families choose to sacrifice the conveinances of life to nuture and foster these children who need loving homes.  There was one family there who has 3 bio kids, 3 adopted and 3 foster.  And... this isn't the exception.  The majority of foster families end up adopting their foster children that no one else wants because these kids are assumed to be "damaged," "tramautized," or "bad" kids.  A lot of these children have special needs or medical conditions that other people don't want to deal with.  These foster families fall in love with these kids and take them in as one of their own.  If it wasn't for looks, you wouldn't be able to tell a difference between their foster and their biological children.  The incredible part is they don't see it as "sacrificing."  It's an honor and a blessing to be a foster parent.... to get the opportunity to love a child, even if it's for a short period of time.  They sign up with joy to foster these children, even with the high risk of heartbreak. 

I only hope that I can become like some of the incredible foster families we have in Larimer County.  I want to be open and available in whatever way I can to love the orphaned, abused and neglected children in my community.  I hope to help redefine the misconceptions of foster families and let the majority be recognized for their true tender hearts towards these children. 

Will you join me in standing up for the majority and eliminiating this awful misconception?