You may have heard of the term “social work” or “social worker.” Yet, what is social work, and what does being a “social worker” actually entail?

When someone refers to a social worker, they are usually talking about a professional trained in the field of Social Work whose job is to help people navigate difficult life situations and connect them with the support they need. Social workers assist individuals, families, or entire communities facing challenges such as poverty, mental health struggles, illness, addiction, domestic violence, or family instability.

Just over five years ago, 7-year-old Kyle was removed from his mother’s care and placed with licensed foster parents, Jackie and Chris. After two months, Kyle was finally settling into his new normal. Yet, Jackie and Chris received a phone call that would change their lives once again.

Why do you want to be a foster parent?

Maybe you are dreaming of the moment a child in need comes to your front door. You can envision them coming inside, running to your open arms, and saying “thank you.” Tears welling up in your eyes as you feel accomplished and proud. 

Each year, thousands of young people transition from foster care into adulthood, a milestone known as “aging out.” At 18, many face the challenge of building independence without the consistent support of family. While this time can be difficult, it also opens the door to new opportunities.

Across the country, programs and resources exist to help with housing, education, career planning, and life skills. These supports recognize that, like all young adults, those leaving foster care need guidance and encouragement as they begin their journey.

Reunification is the process of returning a child in foster care to their parents or primary guardians. It is a slow process guided by courts, social workers, and support teams who all want one thing: to make sure a child is safe, loved, and cared for.

Most children in foster care eventually return to their birth families. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Nearly 50% of children who leave foster care do so through reunification with their parents or primary caregivers.”

When a child is removed from their home, one of the first and most important questions becomes: where will they stay? 

Foster kids can stay in a variety of settings depending on their age, needs, family situation, and availability of caregivers. Each placement is thoughtfully considered, and the goal is always to place the child in the least restrictive, most loving environment possible.

This article explores what happens when a child enters foster care—from that first phone call to the path toward permanency. And most importantly, it reminds us that behind every placement is a real child hoping to feel safe, seen, and loved.

In this article, we’ll explore what a foster care child is, why children enter the system, what their experiences might look like, and how we — as a community — can better support them. Whether you’re someone considering foster parenting, an educator, or simply a curious and compassionate person, this guide is for you.

For Academy Award-winning actor Christian Bale, playing Batman was just one of many roles. But his real-life mission to support children in foster care is proving to be the role of a lifetime. In February 2024, Bale broke ground on a visionary project 16 years in the making: Together California, a foster care village in Palmdale, California, designed to keep siblings together in a nurturing and supportive environment. With 12 homes and a community center on the way, this initiative is more than a construction project—it is a heartfelt commitment to transform the lives of foster children and reimagine how we care for them.

Foster care is often seen as something that primarily affects low-income families or those facing significant hardship. Many people assume that children in the foster care system come from homes marked by financial struggle, instability, or neglect. While these challenges are indeed a reality for many, they are not the defining factors of foster care. The truth is, foster care doesn’t choose social class. It chooses children who need love, stability, and care, no matter their background or where they come from.

There’s a quiet myth that’s kept too many loving people from opening their hearts to children who need them. It doesn’t shout. It whispers — planting doubt where there could be hope.

Myth: Only younger people can foster.

Truth: The only requirement is that you must be over 21. People start fostering at all stages of life.

When it comes to fostering children, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around — and one of the most persistent is this: "You can't be a single dad and foster."

Let’s be clear: That is a myth.

The truth? Single foster dads provide just as much love, stability, and support as any single foster mom or married couple.

Many children thrive in homes led by strong, caring men who choose to step up and make a difference.

Some children grow up watching cartoons and dreaming of adventure. Others grow up watching quiet acts of love—moments that plant seeds of compassion deep within their hearts. That was the case for Ariel, who, from a very young age, witnessed the powerful impact of fostering through the example of her close relatives. While she may not have realized it at the time, those early experiences would shape her entire future.

Becoming a foster parent is more than opening your home—it's opening your heart. For Jessica, that journey began five years ago. She didn’t know exactly what to expect, but she knew she wanted to be there for children who needed stability, safety, and love.

When life takes an unexpected turn, some people step up in ways they never imagined. Tom is one of those people. A young man with no children of his own, he never planned on becoming a full-time parent. But when his three young nieces needed a stable home, he didn’t hesitate—he became their rock, their protector, and ultimately, their father figure.