What do all foster parents have in common? A heartbeat. 

Regardless of background or experience, each person has the potential to step into this role and make a meaningful impact on a child's life. This shared heartbeat represents not only the ability to love and nurture but also the resilience and commitment required to support children through their toughest times. By opening their hearts and homes, foster parents create safe, stable environments where children can heal and thrive. 

Let’s be honest: life is messy. Parenting is messy. Foster care is messy. And when you mix in school lunches, caseworker visits, bedtime battles, and a never-ending pile of laundry, it's hard to tell if you're holding it all together or just holding on.

But here’s the truth: the beauty isn’t in having it all together. It’s in showing up.

President Ronald Reagan established National Foster Care Month by presidential proclamation in 1988, setting aside every May as a time to honor foster families and shine a light on the needs of children and youth in foster care.

At CK Family Services, we believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing home where they can heal and grow. While all foster parents provide crucial care, some children require specialized support due to complex trauma, medical needs, or behavioral challenges. 

That’s where healing through Treatment Foster Care (TFC), also known as Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC), comes in.

Common Foster Parenting Concerns Debunked

Have you ever felt a tug at your heart to become a foster parent, but then a flood of concerns and doubts followed? You’re not alone. Many prospective foster parents wrestle with fears and misconceptions for many months or even years before learning more. Sometimes our imaginations and worries may mislead us, making the process seem more daunting than it really is. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as a "perfect" foster parent or the perfect time—just people who are willing to show up with love and commitment.

At CK Family Services, we love learning more about the incredible individuals who open their hearts and homes to children in need. And in our ongoing conversations with foster families, we’ve noticed an interesting trend: 

81% of our foster parents also have a pet in their home.

That’s a really high percentage. Eight out of ten foster homes also care for a pet—that’s significant. It made us wonder if there’s a deeper connection between those who open their homes to animals and those who step up to care for children in need.

Foster parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every child comes with unique needs, and every foster parent brings their own strengths, skills, and personality to the journey. Some thrive on structure and organization, while others are natural connectors who build relationships with ease. Some love diving into research to solve problems, and others are big-picture visionaries who see the possibilities in every challenge.

At CK Family Services, we are privileged to work with families who go above and beyond to provide love, stability, and unwavering support to children in need. In particular, we are honored to highlight Tammy and Andrew Haymaker, a Treatment Foster Care (TFC) family since September 2022.