Without foster parents, the adoption system wouldn’t exist. That’s why it’s so important for people to become educated about what it takes to be a foster parent.
Foster and adoptive parents Michael and Michelle Johnson said they knew early in their relationship that this would be the way they would impact the world. “What greater reward would that be to make a difference in a child’s life? That was what we wanted to do was to be able to impact the world through one child,” said Michael Johnson. They haven’t just impacted the world through one; the Johnsons have adopted two small children and are foster parents to a 17-year-old who, because of state requirements, will not be eligible for them to adopt before his 18th birthday. “It’s changed our lives quite a bit. We adopted two other children so we now have a four-year-old, a six-year old, and a 17-year-old,” Michelle Johnson added.
The Johnsons say fostering a child is a blessing for everyone involved. As a dad, Michael gives this advice, “The only thing that you need to know is to give time and to be able to give love and once you do those things… there’s no such thing as the perfect parent. We make mistakes…” He continued to reiterate that kids just want to know someone loves them, supports them, and will help guide them. According to 17-year-old Abram, he’s exactly right. “I needed support,” says Abram, “ and a person that actually showed that they care about you and all that.”
To be a foster parent with Youth Villages, you must be:
- Age 25 years or older
- Legally married for at least one year or legally single
- A resident of the state of Tennessee with a valid TN driver’s license
- Employed/have viable income
- Have adequate space in your home
- Have a working automobile & auto insurance as well as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Complete the required training & certification process
Foster families aren’t left out in the cold after they complete the training courses. There’s plenty of support offered:
- Free training
- Free therapy for the child and family
- 24 hour on-call support for children and foster families
- Foster parent support groups
- Monthly financial assistance
- Foster parent appreciation events
To find out more information about being a foster parent, call Youth Villages: 901-252-7648 or 1-877-983-6786
Adoption opportunities are also available.
