Adoption and foster care are often depicted in dramatic ways in the media.
Whether it’s an adult suddenly discovering the truth that they were adopted or a depiction of constant conflict between a child involved in the foster care system and their caregivers, media can easily give us a skewed perspective of what life is actually like for the real people navigating these situations.
That’s why it’s so important to listen to the real voices of children, families, and workers in the foster care community—not to chase sensational details, but to approach their stories with compassionate curiosity. When we do, we discover that each journey is unique, that many see their experiences as stories of strength rather than sorrow, and that every person’s life is far richer than a single chapter.
My guest for this conversation knows this firsthand. While adoption isn’t the defining feature of her daily identity, it has profoundly shaped her perspective.
Hope Watts was adopted through the foster care system as a young child. Today, she enjoys raising awareness about foster care and encouraging others with a message of quiet resilience.
In this episode, you’ll hear the importance of holding space for each other’s stories, some powerful encouragement for foster parents, how to meet people with compassion, and much more.
- Connect with Hope on her Instagram
- Give to The Forgotten Initiative
- Foster Care & the Church
TAKEAWAYS FROM TODAY’S CONVERSATION:
1. We need to process our origin.
Our past—whether joyful, painful, or a mix of both—is part of our story. This is a truth that is not exclusive to children who have been involved in foster care—it applies to each and every one of us. However, while we can’t forget the circumstances that shaped our early years, with support, acceptance, and space to process, our past doesn’t have to define our present or our future. Be sure to take some time to come to terms with your past, your family of origin, and how those factors shape what you think and believe now.
“I don’t ever remember there being a groundbreaking moment or a definitive conversation about my adoption. It was always just a fact of my life.”
2. Being adopted does not dictate how your life will turn out.
There are many preconceived notions that some people may have when they find out that foster care or adoption is a part of someone’s story. However, one element of someone’s childhood does not define their entire life. There are so many factors that blend together to make up a person’s unique story—and adoption is just one of them. When we meet someone who has been involved in the child welfare system, we should approach their story with respect and genuine curiosity, focusing on the whole journey rather than a single detail, and avoiding assumptions about how they view their own experiences.
“If people only knew my beginning, they might not be expecting where I am now.”
3. Meet people with compassion.
Whatever role you have in the foster care community, it’s important to be intentional about holding space for others—listening to their stories, sitting with their emotions, and offering compassion. When someone opens up to you—even if it’s only in a small way—recognize that it’s an honor to be entrusted with their story and show them that you are a safe place to share whatever they are willing. There is so much brokenness in the foster care community, but there is also great beauty there as well—especially when we choose to lead with love.
“You can never think of foster care or adoption or children in general as you doing them a favor. It’s a blessing to know their story and to hold space for them.”
Meet Our Guest
Hope Watts is a nursing student at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Originally from Paxton, Illinois, she was adopted through the foster care system as a young child. While her adoption isn’t the defining part of her daily identity, it has shaped her perspective in meaningful ways. Today, Hope enjoys raising awareness about foster care and encouraging others with a message of quiet resilience. She is currently completing a summer nursing internship and loves spending time with her energetic dog, Kevin.
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