Christians and the Foster Care Crisis | 6.23.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, the podcast examines the severe shortage of foster and adoptive families in the US and the outsized role that Christians play in filling this need. Through interviews, the episode explores the biblical foundations that inspire many Christians' commitment to caring for orphans and vulnerable children. It also discusses the practical support that churches provide to foster families and efforts to prevent family separation.
However, the episode also looks at the conflicts emerging between new government regulations around gender identity and the religious beliefs of many foster and adoptive parents. Examples are shared of Christian families denied the ability to foster or adopt due to their convictions around sexuality and gender.
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1-Page Summary
Pressing Need for Foster and Adoptive Families
Severe Shortage of Adoptive Families
The U.S. foster care system faces a stark gap: Over 100,000 children awaited adoption in 2022, yet only around 53,000 were adopted, Joe Knittig explains. Many of these children enter the system due to poverty-related neglect rather than abuse.
Christians Play Outsized Role
Practicing Christians are over twice as likely to adopt compared to the general public, with evangelicals being five times more likely, Knittig notes. They're particularly open to adopting older children and those with special needs.
Biblical Motivations for Christians
Biblical Commands to Care for Orphans
Many Christians believe they have a duty to care for orphans based on biblical commands like James 1:27. In fact, 77% of practicing Christians feel they have a personal responsibility to care for orphans, the data shows.
Personal Faith Shapes Adoption Decisions
Individuals like Tony Mitchell cite how their Christian faith and upbringing deeply inspired their decision to adopt and foster children, demonstrating the practical impact of these beliefs.
Church Support for Foster Families
Meeting Material and Practical Needs
Churches organize efforts to provide foster and adoptive families with essentials like clothing and beds. Churches also offer invaluable practical support like babysitting and homework help, easing the burden on these families.
Supporting At-Risk Families
Churches aim to prevent children from entering foster care altogether by supporting at-risk families, helping maintain the family unit.
Conflicts with New Government Regulations
Rules Requiring Affirmation of Gender Identity
New HHS rules mandate foster families affirm a child's chosen gender identity and use preferred pronouns, which conflicts with many Christians' beliefs on gender and sexuality.
Religious Families Denied Fostering/Adoption
Christian families like the Bates in Oregon and Burkes in Massachusetts have faced rejection from adoption/fostering after stating their religious convictions prevented affirming certain treatments or identities.
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Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Christians may be more likely to adopt, it's important to recognize the contributions of people from other faiths and secular backgrounds who also adopt and foster children.
- The emphasis on Christian motivations might overshadow the fact that the decision to adopt or foster is a deeply personal one and can be inspired by a variety of ethical, moral, or humanitarian reasons, not solely religious beliefs.
- The support from churches is invaluable, but it's also crucial to acknowledge the role of government and non-profit organizations in providing support to foster and adoptive families.
- While churches do provide support to at-risk families, systemic issues such as poverty, access to healthcare, and education also need to be addressed to prevent children from entering foster care.
- The new HHS rules on gender identity affirmation are designed to protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ children in the foster care system, which is an important consideration in the broader discussion of foster care and adoption policies.
- There may be a need for a balanced approach that respects both the religious convictions of potential foster/adoptive parents and the rights and needs of children in the foster care system, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Actionables
- You can explore becoming a respite care provider to support foster families without the long-term commitment of fostering or adopting. Respite care involves temporarily caring for a child to give their regular foster parents a break. This can be a weekend or a few days, which helps you understand the needs of foster children and provides relief to foster families.
- Consider starting a donation drive for backpacks filled with essentials for children entering foster care. These backpacks can include items like toiletries, a comforting toy, and a journal, which can be distributed through local foster care agencies or churches. This initiative directly supports children in a moment of significant change and can be organized with friends, family, or coworkers.
- Engage in mentorship programs for at-risk youth to help prevent children from entering the foster care system. By volunteering as a mentor through local community centers or non-profits, you can provide guidance and support to children and potentially alleviate pressures that might lead to them needing foster care. This relationship can have a profound impact on a child's life and contribute to the stability of their family situation.
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The critical need for foster and adoptive families, and the outsized role of the Christian community in meeting this need
There is a pressing need for more adoptive and foster families to support children in the foster care system, and the Christian community, particularly evangelical Christians, plays a significant role in addressing this.
There is a significant shortage of adoptive and foster families for children in the foster care system
Over 100,000 children in the US are awaiting adoption, while only around 53,000 were adopted in 2022
The latest data from 2022 shows a stark discrepancy between the number of children awaiting adoption and those who were actually adopted. Over 100,000 children had a case plan for adoption, yet only about 53,000 were adopted. This leaves a significant number of children within the system without a permanent family or the prospect of returning to their biological families.
Many children in the foster care system are not there due to abuse, but rather poverty-related neglect
Joe Knittig, CEO of the Global Orphan Project and founder of CarePortal, emphasizes that the leading reason children enter the foster system is not abuse but neglect, often linked to poverty. This highlights the need for resources and support for these children beyond the traditional focus on abuse.
Christians, especially evangelical Christians, are far more likely to adopt and foster children compared to the other segments of the population
Practicing Christians are over 2 times more likely to adopt than the general public
Statistics show that practicing Christians have taken a proactive stance in the adoption crisis, being more than twice as likely to adopt ...
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The critical need for foster and adoptive families, and the outsized role of the Christian community in meeting this need
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While the Christian community is highlighted for its contributions, it's important to recognize that individuals from various religious and non-religious backgrounds also contribute significantly to fostering and adoption.
- The emphasis on evangelical Christians' role may overshadow the need for a diverse range of foster and adoptive parents, reflecting the diversity of children in the system.
- The statistics may not capture the full complexity of the issue, such as the reasons behind the higher rates of adoption among Christians or the potential for self-selection bias in the data.
- The focus on adoption and fostering within the Christian community might inadvertently minimize the importance of addressing the root causes of why children end up in foster care, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social services.
- Highlighting the role of a specific religious group in fostering and adoption could be seen as exclusionary or as implying that one must be religious to be motivated to adopt or foster, which is not the case. ...
Actionables
- You can become a mentor to children in foster care to provide support and guidance. By partnering with local foster care agencies, you can offer to spend time with children who are awaiting adoption, helping them with homework, teaching them a new hobby, or simply being a stable adult presence in their lives. This can be especially impactful for children who have experienced poverty-related neglect, as it provides them with positive role models and enriches their social and emotional development.
- If you're a member of a religious community, initiate a support network for foster and adoptive families within your congregation. Organize informal gatherings where current and prospective foster or adoptive parents can share experiences, resources, and encouragement. This taps into the existing inclination of religious communities to engage in adoption and fosters a culture of support that can help sustain families through the challenges of fostering or adopting.
- You can advocate for policies that address poverty-related neglect by ...
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The biblical and theological motivations that prompt many Christians to adopt and foster children
The decision to adopt or foster children is a deeply personal one for many people, but for Christians, this choice is often rooted in their faith and biblical teachings.
Many Christians believe they have a biblical mandate to care for orphans and vulnerable children
For Christians, the Bible serves as a guide for life, dictating moral behavior and responsibilities towards others. Among these responsibilities is the care for those who are most vulnerable, particularly orphans and widows. In fact, a significant 77% of practicing Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to care for orphans. This belief is underscored by scripture, most notably the verse James 1:27, which commands followers to look after orphans and widows in their distress.
The Bible, such as in James 1:27, commands followers to look after orphans and widows
The biblical imperative as stated in James 1:27 provides a clear and direct motivation for Christians to engage in acts of kindness and compassion towards those without familial support. By caring for orphans and widows, they are adhering to their faith's teachings and demonstrating a practical expression of their religious convictions.
Christian faith and upbringing can deeply shape one's desire to adopt and foster
The impact of Christian teachings on choices surrounding adoption and fostering is not just theoretical but is evident in real-world actions. Personal faith narratives, such as those of individuals like Tony Mitchell, illustrate how deeply ingrained Christian beliefs can lead to a commitment to adoption and foster care. For those like Mitchell, their faith and the example set by religious teaching have been a driving force in their decision to open their homes and hearts to ...
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The biblical and theological motivations that prompt many Christians to adopt and foster children
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While many Christians may feel a biblical mandate to care for orphans and vulnerable children, not all Christians interpret their religious texts in the same way, and some may prioritize other aspects of their faith or interpret their responsibilities differently.
- The command in James 1:27 to look after orphans and widows is one of many directives in the Bible, and individuals may weigh it against other commands and priorities within their personal faith journey.
- Christian faith and upbringing are just one of many factors that can influence the desire to adopt and foster; secular motivations such as humanitarian concerns, personal experiences with adoption, or the desire to expand on ...
Actionables
- You can volunteer your time with local organizations that support children in foster care to directly impact their lives. By offering to tutor, mentor, or engage in recreational activities with these children, you provide them with valuable attention and support. For example, you might spend a few hours a week helping with homework or teaching a child how to play a musical instrument, which can significantly enhance their quality of life and give them a sense of stability.
- Consider becoming a respite care provider to give foster parents and children short-term relief. This involves taking care of foster children for a weekend or during emergencies, allowing foster parents to recharge or handle personal matters. You can start by contacting foster care agencies in your area to learn about the requirements and training process. This way, you contribute to the foster system without the long-term commitment of full-time fostering or adoption.
- Create care packages for orphans and vulnerable children in your community or abroad. Gather basic necessities, educational ma ...
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The support and community that Christian churches provide to foster and adoptive families
Christian churches have become a vital source of support for foster and adoptive families, often stepping in to provide a wide range of material, practical, and emotional support.
Churches often organize to meet the material, practical, and emotional needs of foster and adoptive families
One of the key ways in which churches are supporting these families is by organizing community efforts to meet their varied needs. This includes providing essentials such as clothing and beds for newly welcomed children. Beyond these material needs, churches are also offering practical support that can be invaluable to foster and adoptive parents. This takes form in services such as babysitting, which gives parents much-needed respite, and assistance with homework, which helps children to integrate into their new environment and keep up with their education.
Providing clothing, beds, babysitting, homework help, and other assistance
The contributions from church communities can make a significant difference in the lives of foster and adoptive children and their families, allowing them to feel supported not just in spirit but in very concrete ways. By fostering this sense of community support, the church plays an important role in easing the transition for these children and ensuring the stability and success of these new familial relationships.
The church community can help prevent children from entering the Vocal foster system ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The support and community that Christian churches provide to foster and adoptive families
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Christian churches do provide support, not all foster and adoptive families may feel comfortable seeking help from religious organizations due to differing beliefs or past negative experiences with religious institutions.
- Organizing to meet the needs of families is commendable, but there may be concerns about the sustainability and consistency of these efforts, as they often rely on volunteer work and donations which can fluctuate.
- The assistance provided by churches, such as clothing and beds, while helpful, may not address deeper systemic issues that lead to children being placed in foster care, such as poverty, addiction, and lack of access to healthcare.
- The significant difference made by church communities could be limited if the support is not culturally sensitive or tailored to the diverse needs of foster and adoptive families.
- The church's role in preventing children from entering the foster system is valuable, but it is not a substitute for comprehensive social services and government programs that have broader reach ...
Actionables
- You can create a resource map of your local area to identify gaps in services for foster and adoptive families. Start by researching existing resources and then reach out to social workers or family services to understand what's missing. For example, if there's a shortage of affordable counseling services, you could compile a list of pro bono counselors or online support groups.
- Develop a mentorship program by pairing experienced foster/adoptive parents with those who are new to the process. Use social media or community bulletin boards to connect families. This could involve monthly meet-ups or a buddy system where seasoned parents can offer guidance on navigating challenges.
- Organize a driv ...
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The impact of new government regulations on the ability of Christian families and organizations to continue providing foster process on developed stage.
New rules enacted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may pose conflicts for Christian families who wish to foster or adopt, as they may be required to affirm a child's gender identity, which contradicts many Christian beliefs.
New HHS rules require foster families to affirm a child's chosen gender identity and expression, which conflicts with many Christians' beliefs
On April 29th, HHS enacted the "Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements" rule. This rule mandates that foster families use a child's identified pronouns, support their chosen name, allow the child to dress according to their gender identity, and create an environment that supports the child's LGBTQI+ status or identity. According to some interpretations, this could extend to providing puberty blockers to transgender children.
Megan Basham refers to a related rule that will take effect in 2026. Like in certain Democrat-led states, it requires foster and adoptive parents to support a child's sexual orientation and gender identity. These new Biden administration regulations could affect the eligibility of religious individuals to foster and adopt if their beliefs clash with the new standards.
This could potentially disqualify Christian families from fostering or adopting
The new policies raise concern that Christian families could be disqualified from providing foster care or adopting because of their religious convictions.
Examples of Christian families and organizations facing challenges or rejections due to their religious convictions about gender and sexuality
Several cases illustrate the challenges that Christians are facing within the foster care and adoption system presenting conflicts between state pol ...
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The impact of new government regulations on the ability of Christian families and organizations to continue providing foster process on developed stage.
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The HHS rules are designed to protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQI+ children in the foster care system, ensuring they are placed in environments that are affirming and supportive of their identities.
- Affirming a child's gender identity can be seen as a matter of providing appropriate care based on current psychological and medical standards, which emphasize the importance of support and acceptance for the mental health of transgender and non-binary youth.
- The regulations may encourage diversity and inclusivity within the foster care system, potentially leading to a broader range of families who are willing and able to provide supportive homes for all children, regardless of their gender identity.
- The rules do not necessarily target or exclude Christian families but rather apply to all potential foster families equally, aiming to ensure that all children in the foster care system receive care that meets their needs.
- Some Christian organization ...
Actionables
- Educate yourself on the legal aspects of foster care and adoption by reading up on the latest HHS rules and how they might impact religious freedoms. This will help you understand the balance between government policies and individual beliefs. For example, you could visit government websites that outline foster care regulations, or look for legal analysis in law journals or by legal advocacy groups that specialize in religious freedom cases.
- Support organizations that align with your values and are working to address these conflicts between government policies and religious beliefs. By donating or volunteering, you can contribute to their efforts to advocate for policy changes or provide legal assistance to affected families. Look for non-profits or legal defense funds that focus on religious liberty and foster care, and consider how you might help them in their mission.
- Engage in constructive dial ...
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1-Page Summary- The critical need for foster and adoptive families, and the outsized role of the Christian community in meeting this need
- The biblical and theological motivations that prompt many Christians to adopt and foster children
- The support and community that Christian churches provide to foster and adoptive families
- The impact of new government regulations on the ability of Christian families and organizations to continue providing foster process on developed stage.
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