First-Time Fostering: What It Really Takes to Say Yes

First-Time Fostering: What It Really Takes to Say Yes

From Fostering Change by Rob Scheer

May 5, 2026 · 22 min · Season 7 · Episode 34

About this episode

Rob Scheer discusses the realities of becoming a foster parent with Laura, The Foster Parent Partner, as they kick off National Foster Care Awareness Month.

This episode kicks off National Foster Care Awareness Month — a time not just to reflect, but to act. On today’s Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes back Laura, The Foster Parent Partner, a therapeutic foster parent, mentor, and now author of First-Time Fostering, releasing May 12. This conversation focuses on a question many people ask, but far fewer answer: what does it actually take to become a foster parent? Not the idea of it — the reality. Laura brings practical, real-world insight into what fostering looks like day to day, what new foster parents need to understand, and how to move from thinking about it to stepping into it. As a returning guest, she builds on her previous conversation with Rob to go deeper into the emotional, logistical, and human side of fostering. As we begin National Foster Care Awareness Month, this episode serves as a starting point for those considering how they can be part of the solution. Episode Highlights Why National Foster Care Awareness Month should lead to action, not just recognition The gap between thinking about fostering and actually saying yes What foster parenting really looks like day to day Common fears and misconceptions that hold…

People in this episode

Host: Rob Scheer

Guest: Laura

Topics covered

  • fostering
  • foster care
  • parenting
  • mentorship
  • community support

Keywords

  • foster parenting
  • National Foster Care Awareness Month
  • therapeutic foster parent
  • mentorship
  • fostering insights

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: First-Time Fostering

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