Called to Care: Opening Your Heart to Vulnerable Children--through Foster Care, Adoption, and Other Life-Giving Ways

by Bill Blacquiere, Kris Faasse

Overview

More and more individuals, families, and churches are seeking ways they can respond to the biblical mandate to care for "the least of these." The desire to help children coming from difficult situations is a necessary starting point, but what comes next? You need to know the steps for getting involved and what will truly help.

Filled with real-life stories and practical advice, Called to Care starts by helping you honestly assess your motivation to help—sometimes the wrong motivation sets the stage for an unsuccessful experience. From there, the book shows what adoption and foster care really look like in a variety of situations, from domestic and international adoptions to short-term foster care and foster-to-adopt arrangements. Also included is how churches and individuals can minister to refugees. Rounding out this comprehensive yet concise book are tips for assessing your preparedness, how to meet common emotional and physical challenges, and the most effective ways to help families stay together and thrive.

Bethany is a global nonprofit that supports children and families with world-class social services, all designed to help families thrive. We believe every child deserves to be loved, connected, and empowered through family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764233340
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/17/2019
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Bill Blacquiere served Bethany Christian Services for thirty-two years as chief operating officer, director of operations for Michigan, and most recently CEO, retiring at the end of 2017. He also served on the boards of the National Council for Adoption and the Christian Alliance for Orphans. He and his family live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kris Faasse, LMSW, ACSW, is senior vice president of clinical operations for Bethany Christian Services. A recognized adoption expert, Kris has provided training in national and international settings, has authored numerous articles, and serves on several boards, including Justice for Our Neighbors-Michigan, which assists refugees with resettlement issues.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why This Book Is for You 11

How to Use This Book 13

Part 1 Examining the Call to Care

1 What God's Word Says 17

2 Addressing Motivations 27

3 Determining Expectations 35

4 Assessing Preparedness 45

Part 2 Exploring Foster Care and Adoption

5 A Close Look at Foster Care 55

6 A Close Look at Adoption 63

7 A Closer Look at Domestic Adoption 73

8 A Closer Look at Intercountry Adoption 83

9 Acknowledging Loss and Grief 93

Part 3 Embracing Family Preservation

10 Tapping into Family Preservation Programs 103

11 Creating Support Groups 109

12 Developing Mentoring Relationships 117

13 Providing Respite Care 125

14 Covering Financial Needs 133

Part 4 Enriching Family Ties

15 Gaining Support from Others 143

16 Developing Provision from the Church 151

17 Accessing Assistance from the Community 165

Afterword 173

Appendices 175

What Is the Bethany Christian Services Continuum of Care?

What Is the Bethany Christian Services Family Care Plan for Adoptive Parents?

Recommended Books for Adoptive and Foster Care Parents

Acknowledgments 183

Notes 185