Adoption. Foster Care. Dad.

[theafcdad]

New Apple Initiative Could Place Foster Parents At Risk of False Allegations

New Apple Initiative Could Place Foster Parents At Risk of False Allegations

Millions of Americans have one thing easily in reach – their smartphone. The device they pick up has a good chance of being an Apple product. Today, the company announced a new initiative aimed at improving safety for children, but that good goal may come with unintended consequences for foster parents and other mandatory reporters. Continue reading

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Emerging From Silence: A Family Update

The past four months have been our most intense yet on our journey of foster care and adoption. It’s ongoing, because even after the adoption decree, there is lifelong healing in progress. I am ready to emerge from the recent silence on this page to provide some personal updates to our family, friends and followers.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Thriving in Crisis: A Major Strength

Thriving in Crisis: A Major Strength

We’re taking a quick break from the hard topics series so I can share a personal story from two weeks ago, one that illustrates why children who have experienced trauma thrive during a crisis. This time, this crisis happened to me when the two oldest and I were nearly two miles in the woods.

If you want the details on the incident, watch the video below. In short, we were hiking about 90…

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Happy 4th of July! We are thankful to live in The United States of America’s. While this year’s celebrations of our Independence from the UK were different than normal— it was perfect. We pray and wish for better days for our nation and it’s people in the next year.

[theafcdad]

The Hard Topics: Payments for Children

The Hard Topics: Payments for Children

Maybe you’ve heard the stereotype, “Foster parents are just in it for the money.” For those of us that are actual foster parents, we laugh and say, “What money?!” Truth is, foster parents receive a stipend in exchange for stepping up to the plate. Trust me when I say it isn’t paying for luxury vacations and sport cars.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

The Hard Topics: Adoption Profiteering

Adoption profiteering is a major issue in the foster care/adoption world and we need to be aware of it so that we don't participate in it. #adoption #fostercare #childwelfare #childexploitation

There are a number of hard topics emerging from the shadows in the foster/adoption world. Over the next few posts, I want to introduce topics such as adoption profiteering, payments for children, white saviorism, rehoming and adoption from foster care. While these are important topics, I believe they are of second importance to the first job all of us in the foster/adoption world: the safe care…

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! #fostercare #adoption #adoptionrocks #dadblog

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova on Pexels.com

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Happy Juneteenth!

Happy Juneteenth! Foster and adoptive parents, I encourage you to take time to learn about this very important and uplifting day in American history. #juneteenth

I want to wish everyone a very happy Juneteenth. The more I’m learning about this day and its significance, the more I believe that it should firmly be a national holiday. It’s significance can’t be understated.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Before I knew...

Before I knew what foster care was, I had many stereotypes and biases. It took a personal engagement to really understand. #fostercare #fosterparent #childwelfare

Maybe you’re considering foster care. Maybe you are trying to learn more about it. Perhaps, I’ve been filling your feed with stories and you finally clicked on a link. The biggest first step in the process to understanding foster care is confronting stereotypes that exist in your own mind. Trust me, they are there.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Party of Four: Our First Day

A look back at our very first day of #fostercare. A fallen tree, no power and two really hyped up little boys, what better way to start your very first foster care placement. #fostercarerocks #foreverfamily

Who gets to say they started their fostering experience with flashlights? We do! Sit back and let me tell you about our Day 1; it was the day we first met J and T, way back in July 2012. It seems like a lifetime ago but at the same time, just a few moments.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Guest Post: At 13- My View

My 13 yr old asked to share about the recent events in our nation's history. Here are his thoughts in his own words: #racism #georgefloyd #blacklivesmatter #adopteevoice #adoptee #adoption #Jesus #prouddad #proudmom #hegetsit

My son J has wanted to say some things in response to all that’s been happening in our world the past few weeks. On Monday, at the age of 13, he attended his first prayer rally for our nation. It was a beautiful time of prayer for our black brothers and sisters, our police, our nation’s future and a great time of prayer for unity in the Lord.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Tornado, Trauma and Tunnel Vision

When the tornado alert went off, I couldn't have been more thankful the kids were having electronics time. Warnings are scary enough, but for a child who has experienced trauma, it's on a whole other level. #tornado #trauma #adoption #ncwx

Our streak ended the other week After more than 5 years, we were home for a tornado warning. Not only that, it was a close call. Thankfully, it never touched down. However, as all of us were crammed in the tiny shelter space, I thought about the impact that events like this have on children who have experienced trauma.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

Listen. Learn. Grow.

Who are you listening to? How are you learning? In what way are you growing? With Instagram as my go-to social media account, here's a "starter set" of voices you should have in your life.

It’s easy to retreat into our own circles of influence when things in the world are uncertain. That’s exactly why we must be intentional to listen to voices and perspectives different than our own in order to learn and grow.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

#blackouttuesday. Listen. Learn. Grow. https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8ZqdJhAwL/?igshid=fi3kjrzgkjt8

[theafcdad]

Thinking About Becoming a Foster Parent? Things to Consider (Part 2)

Becoming a foster parent is one of the biggest (and I think best) decisions of your life. But, it isn't for everyone. Here are some things to consider as you are considering #fostercare. #fostercareawarenessmonth

So, you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent? Here are 10 things to consider. Read the second part below. Catch up on Part 1. These are listed in no particular order.

(more…)

View On WordPress

[theafcdad]

After a month with one away, we’re back together. Praying for the day we can be reunited with child #4. #thisisadoption #adoption #fostercare #mentalhealth #dadblogger #life #lovemyfamily https://www.instagram.com/p/CAjXeyOhu9v/?igshid=1szv8suurobco

[theafcdad]

Thinking About Becoming a Foster Parent? Things to Consider (Part 1)

It's Foster Care Awareness Month! Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? Here's part 1 of things to consider when considering fostering. #fostercare #fostercareawarenessmonth

So you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent? Here are 10 things to consider. We’ll look at five here and the final five in part two.

(more…)

View On WordPress