It’s National Foster Care Month

For Wayne Coleman, becoming a foster parent was a personal decision, as he grew up in the foster care system and experienced loss and grief during his childhood. He has been fostering teenage boys since 2008. Today, alongside his wife Christie, Wayne is using his lived experience to help a 10-year-old boy cope with and overcome a significant amount of trauma.

This May, during National Foster Care Month, Braley & Thompson is honoring its dedicated foster parents, case managers, and community members who support Virginia’s 5,000 children in foster care and play an important role in helping them achieve reunification.

“My foster families had a huge impact on my life when I was teenager, and I hope to do the same for the teenage boys in our care,” said Wayne. “I’ve been able to relate to and understand their feelings in a way that no one else can. The decision to be a foster parent has been life-changing for me, and I’m grateful for Braley & Thompson’s support in our foster care journey.”

“Wayne and Christie have been foster parents for over a decade and have changed many lives by providing a loving, stable environment for foster youth,” said Jessica Fackler, with Braley & Thompson Virginia. “They have had a positive impact on many of the foster teens’ lives and most of them have continued to keep in touch throughout the years. The Colemans’ are wonderful foster parents and Braley & Thompson are grateful that they are part of our team.”

Braley & Thompson is also using National Foster Care Month to debunk common misconceptions about the foster care system, including:

• Foster parents do not have to be heterosexual, married couples. They can be single, married or in a relationship. Braley & Thompson does not discriminate against sexual orientation or identity.
• Foster parents do not have to own a home. The requirement is to have adequate space, including a bed, dresser and closet space for a foster child.
• Foster parents receive support from the state and community partners. Braley & Thompson provides case managers to help meet the needs of the children placed in your home.
• Foster parents do not need prior parenting experience. Braley & Thompson provides foster parents intensive training, wraparound services and ongoing support.
• Becoming a foster parent is an affordable process. Braley & Thompson offers CPR and first aid training, fingerprints and background checks at no cost to the foster parent.

“With thousands of children in Virginia’s foster care system, we’re always looking to connect children and youth to loving families,” said Jessica Fackler. “During National Foster Care Month, our message is that you can change a child’s life— we encourage you to reach out if you’re interested or have questions about becoming a foster parent.”

If interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about Braley & Thompson’s services, please visit stepstoneyouth.com.