Called to Care: Opening Your Heart to Vulnerable Children-through Foster Care, Adoption, and Other Life-Giving Ways

More and more individuals, families, and churches are seeking ways they can respond to the biblical mandate to care for "the least of these." The desire to help children coming from difficult situations is a necessary starting point, but what comes next? You need to know the steps for getting involved and what will truly help. Filled with real-life stories and practical advice, Called to Care starts by helping you honestly assess your motivation to help--sometimes the wrong motivation sets the stage for an unsuccessful experience. From there, the book shows what adoption and foster care really look like in a variety of situations, from domestic and international adoptions to short-term foster care and foster-to-adopt arrangements. Also included is how churches and individuals can minister to refugees. Rounding out this comprehensive yet concise book are tips for assessing your preparedness, how to meet common emotional and physical challenges, and the most effective ways to help families stay together and thrive.Bethany is a global nonprofit that supports children and families with world-class social services, all designed to help families thrive.  We believe every child deserves to be loved, connected, and empowered through family. From the Back Cover "When God calls you to step into the lives of children, he'll also prepare you. This practical, informative guide helps do just that."--Dr. Sharen E. Ford, director, Foster Care and Adoption, Focus on the FamilyWondering if adoption or foster care is right for you? Maybe you're looking for other ways to help children at risk. Such an important decision involves many practical steps, all starting with the heart. That's why Called to Care was written.Drawn from decades of experience, this book provides expert answers to the top questions you likely have, but also shares stories of triumph and struggle from families who are helping vulnerable children even beyond adoption and foster care.· Learn the latest about domestic and international adoptions and foster care· Consider how prepared you are to welcome a child into your home· Discover other ways to support children and families, including refugeesGod calls each of us to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Let this book help you find your unique calling."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 ScratchBill Blacquiere served Bethany Christian Services for more than twenty-five years as chief operating officer, director of operations for Michigan, and CEO. Before retiring, he served on the boards of the National Council for Adoption and the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Kris Faasse, LMSW, ACSW, is senior vice president of clinical operations for Bethany Christian Services. A recognized adoption expert, Kris has provided training in national and international settings, has authored numerous articles, and serves on several boards, including Justice for Our Neighbors-Michigan, which assists refugees with resettlement issues. About the Author Bill Blacquiere served Bethany Christian Services for thirty-two years as chief operating officer, director of operations for Michigan, and most recently CEO, retiring at the end of 2017. He also served on the boards of the National Council for Adoption and the Christian Alliance for Orphans. He and his family live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Kris Faasse,LMSW, ACSW, is senior vice president of clinical operations for Bethany Christian Services. A recognized adoption expert, Kris has provided training in national and international settings and authored numerous articles. She lives with her famil