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From Foster to Forever
Rachel Fulginiti
Recent Episodes
Rachel Fulginiti sits down with Dr. John DeGarmo, a powerhouse in the world of foster care and adoption, to dig into the importance of providing every child with a forever family. Dr. DeGarmo shares his heartfelt journey into fostering, sparked by personal loss and a desire to help kids who have faced unimaginable challenges. With over 60 children welcomed into his home, he’s not just talking the talk; he’s living it. We dive into the nitty-gritty of what it means to foster, the misconceptions that often cloud the process, and the critical need for compassionate support within the foster care system. Trust me, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way!
Dr. John DeGarmo, a passionate advocate for foster care, shares his deeply personal journey in the world of fostering and adoption. As he opens up about his initial reluctance to become a foster parent, he recounts the tragic loss of his first child and how this experience ignited a desire within him and his wife to help other children in need. With a heartwarming candor, John elaborates on how his family has fostered over 60 children and adopted three, emphasizing the profound impact this journey has had on his biological children, instilling in them a spirit of compassion and service to others.
The discussion also dives into the challenges faced by foster parents, particularly in light of the mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic and the alarming rise in human trafficking cases linked to vulnerable children in foster care. John highlights the urgent need for more foster families and the critical role that support services play in the lives of both foster parents and the children they care for. He candidly shares anecdotes that illustrate the chaos and joy of raising a large family, including humorous moments that arise from the unique experiences of fostering.
In a heartfelt conclusion, John reminds listeners that while they may not be able to change the world, they have the power to change the world for a child in their home. His story is a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the transformative power of family, encouraging everyone to consider how they might help children in crisis, even if foster parenting isn’t an option for them.
Takeaways:
- Dr. John DeGarmo emphasizes that every child deserves a loving, forever family, which is a fundamental belief driving his work in foster care and adoption.
- The podcast highlights the significant challenges in foster parenting, including grief and loss when children are reunified or leave the home for any reason.
- Foster parents must be well-prepared and supported, as the experiences can vary drastically with each child's unique background and needs.
- Dr. DeGarmo shares personal anecdotes illustrating the joys and challenges of fostering, including humorous moments that come with raising kids in a chaotic environment.
- The need for foster families has grown, especially post-pandemic, with rising mental health issues and a lack of resources for both children and foster parents.
- Awareness and advocacy are crucial; even if one can't foster, there are many ways to support children in crisis within the community.
Links referenced in this episode:
- fromfoster2forever.com
- foster2foreverpodcast (Instagram)
- The FosterCare Institute (Dr. John's organization)
