The "king" of foster parents

Michael and Kathleen King have five children. Three of their children are biological, one child is adopted, and one is in foster care; but the way they treat each child, one would never know which child was which. "All of the kids are family," says foster parent Kathleen King, "so the younger ones accept them as brothers."

Mr. and Mrs. King first became interested in foster care after reading the book A Child Called 'It,' which helped them realize they could make a lasting impact on a child in need. Mr. and Mrs. King have been foster parents for five years now and have fostered five children total, one of whom they adopted. Mrs. King says the best thing about fostering is "seeing the changes that occur in the kids while in foster care... knowing that you are making a difference in their lives." Mr. and Mrs. King especially enjoy fostering teenagers, saying it gives them "the ability to engage in different pro-social activities."

Of course, fostering abused and neglected children has its challenges. When a child in the care of Mr. and Mrs. King feels sad or angry due to problems in the past, the Kings step in to help. "We accept every child as they are, regardless of their past mistakes. We treat them as family right from the start," says Mrs. King. And the counselors of Youth Villages are always there to assist. Mrs. King says the counselors have helped her family "by providing guidance when needed, either by phone or in person. We feel supported."

Mrs. King recalls her most rewarding moment as a resource parent. "Our adopted foster child willingly changed his last name to King, which is ours. We explained he didn't have to, but he really wanted to." Mrs. King hopes others will be motivated to help needy children just as her family has. "We always recommend fostering. We advise those interested to have an open mind and heart. Be steadfast, and you'll be fine."