Family is Forever

Ashley and Carlisa, 4KIDS Foster Parents

When you sign up to take the foster parent training classes at 4KIDS, one of the first things you’ll hear is that the end goal for foster care is reunification. The heart of foster care is to give a safe and loving home environment for kids whose families need some time to improve the home life they're able to provide for their children. In some scenarios, foster parents can actually play a pivotal role in assisting biological caregivers to achieve reunification. When foster families work alongside biological families to build trust and become a part of their support system, the long term benefits for the child are invaluable.

The Waters family is one 4KIDS family that is passionate about reunification. Several years ago, Carlisa was burdened for children in her community that needed a home. Though she had known about foster care for a while, one day she woke up with a new desire to do something about the issue and be part of the solution. After a series of undeniable signs they believed God was using to lead them to foster, Carlisa and Ashley took the plunge and became 4KIDS foster parents in 2017. One of their first placements was a little girl named Cassie*, who was with them for almost a year. Because of the relationship they developed with Cassie’s biological family during her time in their home, upon reunification Cassie’s great grandmother asked Carlisa and Ashley to be the little girl’s godparents.

“It’s been one of our greatest joys to take care of her while her family got themselves together and to still be able to see her grow. We attend her birthday parties, we visit each other often...her family treats us like family. It is such a beautiful thing and we are so grateful,” Carlisa shared.

While Cassie was in the Water’s home, Carlisa and Ashley went above and beyond to facilitate visits with her family and maintain the lines of communication open. Because of this, it’s no surprise they earned the trust of Cassie’s family and have the privilege of staying in her life! They are a great example of what it means to go the distance for a child in need.

“We attend her birthday parties, we visit each other often...her family treats us like family.”