Everything you need to know about foster care and adoption; Bethany Christian Services publishes new resource for families
Bethany Christian Services released today a new book, Called to Care. This concise guidebook is geared for both families and individuals and uses real-life stories and expert guidance to help demystify the foster care and adoption process. Whether readers are considering bringing a child into their home or just curious about the process, Called to Care provides a practical approach to understanding domestic and international adoptions, short-term foster care, and foster care adoption.
The book comes as part of Bethany’s mission to see that every child in need is offered love, safety, and care from a generous home. With over 443,000 children currently in foster care across the United States and more than 123,000 children waiting to be adopted, the need for foster and adoptive families is still great.
“What we have found is that many individuals, families, and churches are eager to help children in need,” said Chris Palusky, Bethany President & CEO. “But they are often overwhelmed in their attempt to navigate a complex child welfare system.”
The new book is authored by two longtime experts in the field, Bill Blacquiere, former President & CEO of Bethany Christian Services, and Kris Faasse, LMSW, ACSW, senior vice president of clinical operations at Bethany Christian Services. Together they outline constructive steps for navigating foster care or adoption. Additionally, the book includes tips for assessing household preparedness for the care of a child, how to meet common emotional and physical challenges, and the most effective ways to help families stay together and thrive.
“Called to Care is a must-read for anyone considering adoption or foster care,” continued Palusky. “Together, Bill and Kris have over 80 years of combined experience in the child welfare arena. They have seen the difference a family can make in a child’s life and inspire others to change the world through family in this guide.”
Learn more about foster care and adoption at Bethany.org. A book signing event will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Baker Book House (2768 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546).
Reviews: “Every book on adoption or foster care that I’ve ever encountered was a theological treatise or a personal memoir or a how-to manual. Called to Care is the first book on this topic that has it all —heartfelt stories, spiritual reflection, a range of perspectives, and heaps of practical advice.” ―Jonathan Merritt, contributing writer, The Atlantic, and author, Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them
“When God calls you to step into the lives of children, he’ll also prepare you. This practical, informative guide helps do just that. The short stories, questions, and prayers at the end of each chapter will lead you to a deeper dialogue with God —then watch where God takes you!” —Dr. Sharen E. Ford, director, Foster Care and Adoption, Focus on the Family
Purchase: Called to Care is available for order online at bethanyhouse.com and will be available wherever books are sold on September 24, 2019. Copies can also be purchased at the Called to Care book launch at 7:00 p.m. on September 24 at Baker Book House (2768 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546).
About Bethany Bethany is a global nonprofit that supports children and families with world-class social services, all designed to help families thrive. Over 75 years ago, we began our work by serving a single child. Today, we work in more than 30 states and more than a dozen countries worldwide, serving more than 50,000 people every year.
