Called To Foster: An Honest Guide with Jen Lilley and Dr. John DeGarmo

Host Rachel Fulginiti is joined by returning guests Jen Lilley—a successful Hollywood actress who followed a deep calling to foster and ultimately fostered to adopt two children—and Dr. John DeGarmo, a nationally recognized foster care expert who has fostered over 60 children and adopted multiple children.In this episode they share insights from their new book, Called To Foster: An Honest Guide to Getting Started, offering a raw, honest, and practical roadmap for anyone considering foster care.Together, they bring both heart and expertise to an urgent conversation about the current state of foster care in the U.S.—and why more families are needed now than ever before.From a critical shortage of foster homes to the alarming reality that some children are being placed in juvenile detention centers simply because there’s nowhere else for them to go, this episode sheds light on a system in crisis—and how everyday people can step in to help.🎧 Listen to Jen's &amp; Dr. John’s original episodes (Season 2)Show Notes:The latest episode of Foster to Forever dives deep into the heart of foster care, shedding light on some serious and heartfelt issues while keeping it real and relatable. One of the standout moments features Jen Lilly recounting her experience meeting a woman who had a rather shady take on fostering, suggesting that a ‘D rate kid’—a child with behavioral issues and educational challenges—can actually be a more profitable choice for foster parents. It's a jaw-dropping moment that really makes you think about the motives behind fostering and the systemic shortcomings that allow such views to flourish. They discuss the alarming shortage of foster homes and how desperate states have resorted to placing children in juvenile detention centers due to a lack of suitable placements, painting a grim picture of the current foster care landscape. This episode also highlights their newly co-authored book, 'Called to Foster: An Honest Guide to Getting Started,' which aims to recruit better foster parents and provide valuable insights into the fostering process. Jen and Dr. John DeGarmo share their personal journeys and offer practical advice for both prospective and current foster parents, emphasizing the need for love, patience, and community support in navigating the complexities of foster care. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of children in need, filled with both humor and sobering truths about the foster system.Takeaways:The podcast emphasizes the dire shortage of foster homes, especially after the pandemic, highlighting that many children are now being put in juvenile detention due to lack of placements.Listeners are encouraged to consider fostering as a way to make a real difference in children’s lives and to overcome the fear of attachment and heartbreak that can come with it.The hosts share their personal experiences with fostering, emphasizing the importance of community support and the continuous learning needed to effectively parent foster children with special needs.The discussion reveals some shocking realities about foster care, including instances of individuals fostering for financial gain rather than the child's well-being.The hosts advocate for recruiting better foster parents and address misconceptions about who can be a foster parent, stressing that no one has to be perfect or wealthy to make a difference.The episode promotes a new book titled 'An Honest Guide to Getting Started' that aims to equip potential foster parents with the insights and resources they need to embark on this journey.💬 Powerful Takeaway“If your adult-sized heart can take a little bit of the pain that a child would otherwise carry alone… you’ve done your job.”🎯 Who This Episode Is For:Anyone considering foster care or adoptionCurrent foster or adoptive parentsSocial workers and child welfare advocatesPeople who feel called to make a meaningful impact—but aren’t sure where to start📚 Resources &amp; Links📖 To Foster: An Honest Guide to Getting Started<