For the month of October, applications are open for YOU to become a TFI Advocate, bridging the gap between foster care agencies and churches right in your local community. This only happens twice a year! Learn more and apply here.
Friends, please don’t miss this one!
Today, I have the special opportunity to share an episode about an aspect of foster care that I originally knew very little about: refugee foster care. If you are unfamiliar with this form of foster care, it occurs when a child has migrated to the United States (often all on their own) and it is unsafe to return to their home country. This can also occur when a child is placed in a refugee camp- listen to hear more about how this works.
My guest today is Jamie Bartlett. Jamie is a mom to four biological boys and one adopted daughter. She has fostered 18 children through refugee foster care. Jamie and her husband, Mike, reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they started a church plant. And as of this episode, Jamie is one of our TFI Advocates!
Her story is touching and inspiring. You won’t want to miss this one!
TAKEAWAYS FROM TODAY’S CONVERSATION:
1. Your “yes” has power.
Although it can feel scary to say yes to a child in any form of foster care, our yes has power. In refugee foster care, it has already been determined that it is no longer safe for these children in their home countries, so when you say yes you are playing a crucial role in this moment of their life.
“Your yes dramatically impacts their lives.”
2. Give them time to grieve.
It may take a child in refugee foster care a long time to feel at home. Not only are they adjusting to a new family, but they are also adjusting to a new country and culture. It will take them time to adjust and grieve what they have lost. This is an important principle for foster parents throughout the foster care community. It’s important that we give the children in our care time to grieve what has been lost as a result of coming into care.
“I told the judge, ‘I want you to give her grace. She understandably couldn’t process what all was happening. I would ask that you would give her grace.’”
3. Slow down and match their pace.
Jamie reminded us that it’s important not to rush children that are in foster care or push them to do things they are not ready for. Many of them come from abuse, gang violence, extreme poverty, and hard circumstances that make it even more difficult to adjust. We need to offer them grace and understanding as they adjust and process.
“I kept telling myself, ‘I don’t have to outpace her.’”
Meet Our Guest
Jamie Bartlett is a mom to four biological boys, an adopted girl, and is currently in the process of adopting another child. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 2005. Together, they started a church plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they still reside today. They have been refugee foster parents to 18 children. Jamie is not only a TFI Advocate, but she also serves in a group of agency workers, church ministry leaders, and bridge organizations that collaborate together to serve the child welfare community in her area.
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