Why I Became a Foster Parent—and Why I'd Do It Again | Susan Devine

What happens when a school employee opens her home to two brothers in foster care just days before Christmas?In this heartfelt episode of From Foster to Forever, host Rachel Fulginiti sits down with foster parent Susan Devine, who shares her powerful experience fostering two brothers through the child welfare system and supporting their eventual reunification with their father. Unlike many foster-to-adopt stories, Susan's journey highlights another important goal of foster care: helping families heal and reunite whenever safely possible.Susan discusses how a simple conversation at work led her to become a foster parent, the challenges and rewards of caring for children who have experienced trauma, and the deep bonds that can form even when adoption isn't the outcome. As a single mother and school health aide, Susan offers a refreshing perspective on fostering older children, supporting children with special needs, and staying connected after reunification.If you've ever wondered whether foster parenting is right for you, this episode offers an honest, encouraging look at how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in a child's life.In This EpisodeHow Susan unexpectedly became a foster parentFostering two brothers just before ChristmasSupporting children through trauma and uncertaintyThe importance of maintaining connections with biological familiesWhat reunification looked like for these childrenFoster parenting as a single parentThe realities of fostering children with special needsHow community support can help foster families succeedWhy foster care isn't only about adoptionCoping with saying goodbye when children reunifyThe lasting impact foster parents can have on a child's lifeWhy more families are needed in foster careKey TopicsFoster careFoster parentingFoster family storiesFoster care reunificationFoster-to-adoptSingle foster parentsOlder child foster careSpecial needs foster careChild welfare systemTrauma-informed parentingFamily reunificationBecoming a foster parentFoster care supportDutchess County Foster CareMemorable Quote"It absolutely made me alive again inside and knowing that I was important to someone and that someone needed me." — Susan DevineResourcesInterested in becoming a foster parent? Contact your local child welfare agency to learn about foster parent certification, training requirements, and ways you can support children and families in your community.