Milspouse Matters Episode 75: Fostering and Adoption as a Military Family
Have you ever considered fostering or adoption as a military family, but thought the transient nature and other unique challenges of military life would prevent you from doing that? You might be surprised to discover that it is possible for you to adopt or foster a child.
Jen’s “favorite things” this week:
About this episode and guest Courtney Woodruff:
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and this week’s guest is sharing why military families can make amazing foster and adoptive families. I’m talking to Courtney Woodruff, who was previously on Episode 17: When Military Life Scares You back in 2018! Since then, she and her now National Guard husband have fostered 10 children and adopted a baby.
Does it seem like fostering and adoption wouldn’t work for a military family? Courtney discusses some of the challenges as a military family but also how it can work out so amazingly well. She talks about how to start the process and some of her own experiences.
In the U.S., nearly half a million children are in the foster care system on any given day. While those numbers are staggering, there’s much that we can do to help, whether it’s becoming a foster or adoptive family ourselves or supporting those who do.
She says,
“I think that military families can make really great fostering and adoptive families. I do think there are some challenges in military life, but if you know you’re going to be somewhere for an extended period of time or you just feel really called to do it, I really encourage you to go out and find out what you need to do to make it happen.”
-Courtney Woodruff
We’re also talking about Courtney’s new books for children, and she’ll be hosting a giveaway of one copy each over on the Milspouse Matters Instagram next week, so be looking for that! Some of the proceeds from the sales of her books support adoptive and foster families.
Check out her precious children’s books:
Learn more:
Foster Hollow Press (Get 20% off with the discount code MILSPOUSE20!)
Check out the Milspouse Matters instagram for a giveaway of Courtney’s books!
Get Jen’s book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse
Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram
Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode!
Have a topic idea for the Milspouse Matters podcast or know someone who’d be a great guest? Send me a note or fill out our guest application.
Have you fostered or adopted as a military family? What advice would you give?
