How we can care for children aging out of foster care
Seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. – Isaiah 1:17.
A child who ages out of care without a family faces a daunting future; stepping into this harsh world completely on their own — no family support, no safety net, no one to call for advice, encouragement, safety, or help. They have none of the security and warmth that a family provides. Without that safety net, many of these precious ones can end up in dire circumstances like homelessness, jail, or trafficking. The stats are sobering.
According to The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), approximately 18,000-20,000 children age out of care each year without experiencing permanency with a family.
As you read this, there is a teenager wondering if someone will choose them. More accurately, they’re wondering if they are worthy of being chosen, of being loved unconditionally, of truly belonging. Maybe they are no longer hoping, protectively “choosing” to go it alone; walls built high and thick.
I get it, adopting a teenager sounds intimidating, overwhelming, possibly beyond the scope of your ability. It’s too hard. But like so many other things in life, too hard is where we get to see the sufficiency of Jesus.
There have been times in my life when I’ve been reluctant to accept the blessing of more people to love. I feared that somehow sharing my love with too many would take away from the love I was already giving the precious ones in my life; as if my love was in short supply and I had to be stingy with it and carefully ration it out.
I’ve since learned, through loss and life and a patient Savior, that our hearts have an amazing capacity to love endlessly. We were made in the image of a God who es love, so it makes perfect sense. My fears of not being enough or not having enough to give are squashed under the overwhelming sufficiency of Jesus. I don’t have it in me to adequately love and care for more people, but Jesus does. And His Spirit lives in me. I’ve watched this absolute miracle unfold, as the more I choose to love, the greater my capacity to do so expands.
Nope. My hoarding days are over. I’m loving freely and endlessly to all that God brings me.
Lord, may my eyes and heart always be open to the opportunities that are all around me to love, serve and be a part of your kingdom work. May I always remember that your spirit resides in me, and that power will equip me to follow even the most daunting callings.
God may not be calling each of us to adopt a teenager, but I believe He calls each of us to be a part of their care. I hope we will each genuinely pray about what our part might be and keep our eyes and hearts open to the opportunities that surround us. Mentoring, providing respite to adoptive parents, taking on a teen intern at your business, donating, making a meal for an adoptive family in a challenging time — there’s something that each of us can do.
The old reluctance still tries to creep in from time to time, reminding me that I’m not enough, that I don’t have enough to give. That’s true, I’m not enough, but Christ in me is enough. Why do I continuously rely on my own strength when His power resides in me?
I’m bringing Him my shortcomings, my fears, and my weaknesses, day after day, trusting that he will give me all that I need.
“When I am weak, then I am strong.”
Hallelujah.
Something about that truth gives me rest.
You can sign up for our reunión informativa virtual if you are interested in learning more about foster care or adoption. Right now, we need more families to step forward and help care for teens getting ready to age out of care.
Written by Amber Lawrence, adoption specialist, Buckner International
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