For years, foster care has been misunderstood, unfairly judged, criticized through local media and television shows, and the subject of harsh headlines. It’s time to set the record straight.

We spent 9 years in the foster care system, as a care-givers to more than 23 children. Six of those children never left our care and became a permanent part of our family from 2008 until 2012. Our years in the system were trying but also filled with lots of beautiful moments. Thankfully we made it a point to live with as much peace as possible. As a result, we still have relationships with many of the children we fostered, as well as their families. I won’t say that the journey was easy, because it wasn’t. Any time you care for children who have gone through significant loss, prolonged abuse or neglect, or chronic trauma, it’s going to be difficult. The resulting behaviors from the trauma they’ve experienced can be difficult to handle and just downright exhausting. I don’t want to scare anyone, but I do want to be real.

Source: 8 Common Myths About Foster Care Dispelled | Confessions of an Adoptive Parent