One of the most important truths about foster care is also one of the hardest to hold onto. The goal is reunification. On a recent episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sat down with Crystal Jewkes, a former foster and adoptive mom, to talk candidly about what reunification really looks like and why it matters so deeply.
Crystal and her husband fostered for seven years and welcomed around 30 children into their home. Like many families, they initially entered foster care hoping to adopt. Very quickly, they learned that foster care exists first and foremost to help families heal and reunite. That shift in mindset changed everything.
One of Crystalโs earliest placements involved two young boys who arrived with almost nothing. When it came time for their first visit with their mom, Crystal helped the boys pick out small gifts and brought photos showing how well they were cared for. That simple act opened the door to trust and connection. Over time, Crystal didnโt just care for the boys. She became a supporter and cheerleader for their mom.
That relationship made reunification possible in a meaningful way. After nine months, the boys returned home, but the connection didnโt end there. Years later, Crystal is still part of their lives. What could have been a painful goodbye became an extended family built on respect and compassion.
Throughout the conversation, Crystal emphasized a powerful lesson for current and prospective foster parents. Our role is not to replace parents, but to support them. Even when reunification is not possible, maintaining healthy relationships can make a lifelong difference for a child. Kids need to know where they come from and that they are loved by many people.
Foster care can be messy, emotional, and unpredictable. It can also be one of the most meaningful ways to help put families back together. When foster parents choose empathy over judgment and connection over control, everyone has a better chance to heal.
Listen to this episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Current foster parents can get credit for listening. For more information, check the training portal.
If you want to learn more about becoming a foster parent or supporting reunification efforts, visit https://www.utahfostercare.org.
