Teens in Foster Care: Big Feelings, Big Dreams, Big Need for Love
- sheri865
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
When most people think of foster care, they picture young children. But the reality is that many of the youth who need safe, nurturing homes are teenagers.
Teens in foster care often get overlooked because people assume older kids don’t want or need the same kind of love and support. The truth? They do. In fact, they need it just as much as younger children—just in different ways.
Why Foster Teens?
Adolescence is already a time of big emotions, self-discovery, and big dreams for the future. For teens in foster care, this season of life often comes with additional layers—navigating uncertainty, moving between homes, and hoping someone will see past their age and choose to care.
When a foster parent steps in, they aren’t just providing a roof and meals. They’re offering stability, encouragement, and connection—things every teenager deserves. A supportive adult can be the difference between a young person feeling lost or finding their path forward.
What Teens in Foster Care Really Need
Consistency. Someone who shows up, stays, and follows through.
Patience. A listening ear and understanding heart, especially when words are hard to find.
Encouragement. A cheerleader who believes in their dreams, whether that’s college, a trade, or simply discovering who they are.
Love. Not in the sense of perfection, but in being fully present and accepting them as they are.
The Rewards of Fostering Teens
Fostering a teen can be deeply meaningful. You may be the first person who celebrates their wins, listens to their struggles, or simply laughs with them over dinner. Teens might not always say it, but your support leaves a lasting impact.
Many foster parents discover that these relationships not only help teens grow but also transform their own lives in beautiful, unexpected ways.
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever considered fostering, we encourage you to think about opening your heart to a teen. They may not fit in your lap anymore, but they will always fit in your heart.
💜 Ready to learn more?
👉 Fill out our interest form to start exploring foster parenting:
👉Join us at an upcoming Foster Care & Adoption Info Session to get your questions answered:
Because every teen deserves connection, encouragement, and the chance to dream big.
