FOSTER CARE

From Heartbreak to Healing: The Journey of One Foster Parent 

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Episode Summary

Welcome to an inspiring episode featuring Dr. John DeGarmo, leading international foster care expert and director of the Foster Care Institute. Dr. DeGarmo shares his deeply personal journey into foster care, one that began after the tragic loss of his first child. Alongside his wife, he opened their home to over 60 foster children, adopting three and nurturing a family environment that has instilled profound empathy and compassion in his children.  

Our conversation also uncovers the emotional complexities of fostering, from the heartwarming bonds formed to the inevitable heartbreak of separation. Dr. DeGarmo emphasizes the significance of loving foster children unconditionally, even in the face of potential loss, and the crucial role of co-parenting with birth parents to facilitate reunification. The episode confronts the harsh realities faced by youth aging out of the system, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive support services and life skills training to help these young adults transition successfully into independence. 

Listen and Learn:

  • The systemic challenges within foster care, drawing attention to the burnout experienced by caseworkers and the emotional toll on foster parents 
  • The need for increased funding and resources, both for those working within the system and for educators who support foster children in schools 
  • Strategies for building resilience in foster children, emphasizing the importance of structure, consistency, and a nurturing environment to guide them toward healing and a brighter future 

Join us for a candid and thought-provoking exploration of the many facets of the foster care system.

Hosts

Featured Guests

  • Dr. John DeGarmo, International Foster Care Expert and Director of the Foster Care Institute 

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