Unique Approach Changing Statistics and the Lives of Children and Youth
May 01, 2024
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Chosen provides healing and hope for foster and adopted children and their families
Recent federal data reveals a staggering reality: over 380,000 children currently navigate the complexities of foster care in the US, each carrying the weight of loss or trauma. Shockingly, half of these children endure multiple placements, with 35 percent experiencing more than two. Annually, 20,000 youths age out of the system, deprived of the stability of permanency and thrust into the abyss of societal challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, and entanglement in the juvenile justice system—a cycle poised to perpetuate itself.
Yet, amidst this bleak landscape, a beacon of hope emerges—a ministry steps forward with a unique approach to stop the cycle and bridge the gap.
May marks National Foster Care Month—a time to raise awareness about the challenges and provide support that strengthens these families. One of the nonprofit ministry efforts at the forefront of changing the foster care crisis is Chosen. The ministry, along with the many courageous foster and adoptive parents, is valiantly answering the call to minister to the emotional wounds and unique challenges of children who have experienced relational trauma by equipping their families.
Chosen, established in San Antonio and New Braunfels and now rapidly expanding nationwide, dedicates itself tirelessly to this cause. Guided by clinical research, compassion, and a robust sense of community, their approach is comprehensive, empathetic, and remarkably successful.
Jenni Lord, Founder and CEO of the ministry explains, “At Chosen, we’re dedicated to empowering caregivers to be agents of healing in the lives of foster and adopted children. We’re also committed to closing the knowledge and support gaps that hinder the well-being of children and families. Through our training initiatives, we aim to provide gold-standard education that empowers caregivers and professionals and leads to tangible improvements in outcomes. Together, we’re forging a path towards a family well-being system, and lives are being changed.”
One family that has experienced this transformative change firsthand is the Johnsons. Julie and Sam Johnson adopted their granddaughters to provide a stable home amid past trauma, including parental rights termination, domestic violence, and substance exposure. However, the adoption brought defiance and conflict, straining their household. Traditional parenting techniques failed, leading to crisis and thoughts of giving up. Seeking help, they found Chosen, where they learned about trauma and gained tools for a healthier family dynamic. With coaching and support, stress decreased, and behaviors improved. Chosen acted as a guiding light, steering the family through the storm to restored hope and healthy relationships. Julie and Sam credit Chosen for facilitating transformative change in their family’s life. Read more about the Johnson’s story.
As was the case with Julie and Sam, at the genesis of the cycle lies the plight of new foster and adoptive parents who often feel overwhelmed, unsupported, and underprepared for the daunting task of shepherding fractured souls toward healing. Children frequently resort to survival skills that manifest as defiant, challenging behaviors as a result of experiencing environments steeped in brokenness. While these outward manifestations may be distressing and capable of wreaking havoc on the once-peaceful homes of caring guardians, they are often veiled pleas for help. Caught in a tug-of-war between their desire to offer love and stability to a hurting child and the imperative to safeguard their own well-being and that of their existing family, caregivers face a daunting challenge. Astonishingly, half of these individuals eventually retract their initial willingness to foster, not out of a lack of compassion or desire to help but driven by overwhelming fear and hopelessness. This heartbreaking pattern perpetuates the same vicious cycle wherein each disruption a child faces intensifies their inner sense that something must make them unlovable, making it increasingly difficult to forge lasting familial bonds.
Supporting the caregiver is paramount to interrupting this progression of events. Upon intake, a staggering 80 percent of parents self-describe as on the brink of relinquishing the child back into the system, citing Chosen as a last effort. Chosen begins the process toward wholeness by offering an attentive and empathetic listening ear—an initial glimmer of hope that they won’t journey alone, followed by a comprehensive assessment of the whole family’s needs. Care managers then fully engage in supporting the caregiver while offering a fresh, comprehensive toolbox brimming with new strategies customized to foster connection over correction while addressing underlying emotional triggers for both the caregiver and the child.
The result of Chosen’s distinctive approach is truly remarkable—a 99% success rate of families staying together. And not just surviving but characterized by reduced conflict and increased stability and attachment for both the caregiver and the child, enabling both parties to thrive and break the disruptive cycle.
Bethany Hall, MSN, FNP-C, Director of Training and Development for Chosen adds, “Chosen understands that healing starts with relational connection and ongoing support. Just as we guide caregivers to empower children with trauma backgrounds, our team extends the same nurturing bond to the parents they work with. In a landscape where support is greatly needed, Chosen steps in to do whatever it takes for those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to healing young hearts.”
Another powerful example of Chosen’s impact is the story of Jack and Liam. Jack Harrison’s deep desire for fatherhood led him to open his heart and home to Liam through foster care. Despite his uncertainties as a single man in his late 40s, Chosen provided invaluable support and encouragement, dispelling his fears of judgment and inadequacy. Guided by his care manager, John, Jack learned to navigate parenthood and nurture his bond with Liam. Initially, Liam struggled with past trauma, but with Jack’s dedication and John’s guidance, he began to heal and express affection. Today, Liam has not only a father but also a loving extended family. Their journey illustrates the transformative power of love and support, with Jack and John playing pivotal roles in fostering healing and hope for Liam. Read more about Jack and Liam’s story.
Chosen’s impact extends far beyond individual stories—it is a vast mission field that transforms lives and breaks the cycle of trauma. With your support, prayer, and partnership, they can continue to be a beacon of hope for families in need, guiding them toward healing, love, and permanency that will impact generations.
About Chosen:
Chosen works to help children heal from trauma by strengthening their families. Our practitioners and licensed care managers work with families impacted by the child welfare system – including adoptive, foster, kinship (relative) families, and biological parents reunified with their children. Follow us on Facebook, and Instagram, or visit www.chosen.care to learn more.
Media Contact:
Wade Martin
VP of Strategic Partnerships & Content
wade@chosen.care
828.434.5180
