Faith Communities Urged To Become A Consistent Source Of Support For Foster Children

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (LAAN 54) — Churches and faith communities can play a lasting role in supporting children in foster care, according to Dr. Sharen Ford, director of Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family.

Ford, who has spent 14 years with the ministry, said children entering foster care should not be viewed as “bad kids,” but as children who have experienced abuse, neglect or trauma and need stability, love and care.

She encouraged churches to move beyond one-time drives and special events and become consistent sources of support for children and foster families.

“The church is the answer for the children in our foster care system,” Ford said.

She said that support can include foster families willing to open their homes, individuals praying for children and churches providing practical resources.

One example is Focus on the Family’s Suitcase Bundle program, which provides children entering foster care with a 30-inch wheeled duffel bag, a teddy bear and an age-appropriate Bible.

Ford said children are sometimes moved into foster care carrying their belongings in a black trash bag.

“Our kids aren’t trash. Their things aren’t trash,” she said.

Ford said giving children something new and belonging specifically to them can provide a sense of dignity, ownership and reassurance during an uncertain period.

The program also reflects the belief that small gestures can have a lasting impact on children navigating the foster care system.

For Ford, the larger message is that children need people willing to walk alongside them—not only during a special event, but throughout their journey toward safety, stability and healing.