Jayne Schooler

Setting up for an evening training, I looked forward to sharing the impact of foster care and adoption on the biological children in the family. As the participants entered the classroom, I was stunned at who they were. Yet, the group looked like a roo …

Elisha sat across from me in a booth at a local restaurant, as we talked about the impact of foster care on her biological children. “Why is my six-year-old daughter, Alise behaving just like my new foster daughter, Sara, who is four? She is throwing t …

It’s easy for parents to overlook the impact of foster care on children when considering bringing a foster child into their home. The following stories paint the picture well.It seemed to Camie that she had told her daughter, ten-year-old Alise, for th …

Three-year-old Jake walked into the garage where his foster dad worked on a wood project. The loud sounds of sounds and hammering filled the garage. Almost immediately, Jake became agitated, putting his little hands over his ears. Jake noticed an old p …

Children who have been in foster care, like Susie were wounded most in the context of interpersonal relationships, and they will heal only in the context of healthy, nurturing, interpersonal relationships.

Abuse and neglect affects a child’s belief system. But it is possible to reverse the effects through new words and experiences.

“A foundational truth: Connect before correct.” Dr. Karyn Purvis

Kevin had always known he was adopted. When he was 18 months old, he had entered foster care because his mother had died from an undisclosed illness, and his father, in distress, left him with a neighbor and never came back. That was the story he grew …

When Jonathan and Lynne Walker decided to become foster parents, their three children, ages 7 to 14, both biological and adopted, were excited. They gave an enthusiastic “yes, let’s do it.” Believing the adjustment to having more children in the home w …

Some years ago, at a retreat for adoptive moms, I asked the question: “What do you wish you would have known before you fostered or adopted?” I wasn’t surprised by the answers. I wish I had known that I could get so angry at a child I really loved. Tha …

Several years ago, while training our trauma curriculum in Armenia, I described two principles: Abuse happens in the context of an interpersonal relationshipHealing only happens in the context of a healthy, stable interpersonal relationship. Pastor Rap …

“You cannot pour from an empty cup. You must fill your cup first.” Dr. Karyn Purvis

“Why can’t I see mom and dad?”

When Grandma and Grandpa don’t share your vision for adoption.

How adoptive parents can sensativley share their child’s adoption story with them.

Why children who have been adopted need to know their story — and how to tell it

Four compelling reasons to tell your children the story of their adoption

Family secrets can destroy the love and trust the family has fought so hard to build.

Telling the story should not be a one-time event but an ongoing process as the child grows.

The beautiful truth for adoptive parents is that God has placed children in their families for healing and redemption.