Lately, my evenings have been filled with foster parenting classes. Each week, I sit online with other hopeful parents, notebooks in hand, listening and learning what it takes to open not only your home but also your heart. For me, this journey is deeply intentional – I’m preparing to welcome a teenager into my life, not just as a foster child but with the intent of adopting and giving them a forever family.

The more I learn, the more my eyes are opened to the reality of our foster care system. It is overrun, stretched thin, and filled with children of all ages who desperately need stability and love. Too many kids are waiting, not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because life has thrown circumstances at their parents that they can’t yet overcome. These children need safe places to land while their parents work toward getting better.

It takes patience, consistency, and a whole lot of compassion to foster. But it doesn’t take perfection. Single or married, working or at home – there’s room in this system for anyone willing to step up and be a steady hand. Sometimes all a child needs is someone who won’t give up on them, someone to cheer them on at their games, help them with homework, or simply remind them that they matter.

I won’t pretend it isn’t daunting. The idea of fostering a teenager comes with its own set of challenges. Many of these kids have been through trauma, upheaval, and disappointment, and it can be hard for them to trust again. But what greater gift could I give than showing up for them anyway, consistently and without conditions? I know in my heart that even one loving adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

One thing I’ve learned is that teenagers are often the hardest group to place in foster homes. Many families feel more comfortable fostering babies or young children, but teens need love, stability, and belonging just as much – if not more. They’re at a critical stage where guidance and encouragement can make a huge difference. Too often, they get overlooked because people assume they’re “too independent” or “too difficult.” The truth is, teenagers in foster care still need family. They still need someone who believes in them, who shows up at their basketball games, who helps them fill out job applications, or who simply asks about their day.

As I walk this path, I hope others might consider it too. The need is bigger than most of us realize. There are kids right here in our community who deserve stability, laughter, and a home where they feel safe. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to learn more.

For those living in Utah, there are resources available to help you get started. Utah Foster Care (utahfostercare.org) provides training, support groups, and guidance for anyone interested in fostering. You can also reach out to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to learn more about licensing and placement. These organizations walk alongside families every step of the way, ensuring that you’re never alone in the process.

For me, this isn’t just about filling an empty spot in my home – it’s about filling a space in my heart. And I can’t wait to see where this journey leads, for me and for the teenager who will one day soon walk through my door.

Want to help children in foster care? Visit utahfostercare.org or call (877) 505-5437 to learn about fostering, volunteering, or supporting families in your community.