Episode 5

Episode 5 - The Real Reasons People Say No to Foster Care (And What We've Learned)

Published on: 17th June, 2025

In this powerful episode of Dream Small, Jason and Whitney dive into the top hesitations people have about foster care. From concerns about their biological children to the fear of getting too attached, they unpack each objection with personal stories, biblical encouragement, and a dose of humor. If you've ever whispered "maybe we could foster…" but were stopped by a "what if," this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

  • Why “What if it’s hard on my biological kids?” is a valid but manageable concern
  • The tension between comfort and calling—and how the Gospel calls us to sacrifice
  • The reality of getting too attached (and why that’s actually a good thing)
  • Stories of heartbreak, healing, and hope from their own foster journey
  • Biblical encouragement for feeling unqualified or fearful
  • Honest moments (and a few laughs) from life with six kids, garage sales, and broken vans

Key Quote:

“If God is calling us to it, He’s already factored in our inadequacy and our stupidity.”

Encouragement of the Week:

Call someone. Speak life into them. Let them feel seen.

Scripture Mentioned:

📖 Isaiah 41:10 — “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God…”

  • Book Recommendations: The Body Keeps the Score and What Happened to You?
  • Interested in fostering or supporting a foster family? Start here:
  • https://josiahwhites.org/
  • https://handsofhopein.org/

Enjoyed this episode? Please follow or subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share this with a friend who needs encouragement.

📱 Follow us on

Instagram / Facebook — @DreamSmallPodcast

📩 Contact:dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

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About the Podcast

Dream Small Podcast
The Dream Small Podcast is a foster care and adoption podcast hosted by Jason and Whitney Small, foster and adoptive parents who have welcomed more than 14 children into their home and adopted three. Through honest conversations and real life stories, the podcast encourages foster parents, adoptive families, and those considering foster care.

Each episode explores the realities of foster care, adoption, and parenting children from hard places, offering practical encouragement and hope for families navigating the foster care journey. Jason and Whitney share lessons from their own experience, faith, and conversations around trauma informed parenting, family life, and supporting vulnerable children.

Whether you are a current foster parent, an adoptive parent, considering becoming a foster parent, or someone who supports foster families, the Dream Small Podcast exists to encourage and equip you along the way.

Jason and Whitney believe that changing a child’s life rarely happens through big moments. More often, it happens through small, faithful acts of love lived out every day.

If you're thinking about becoming a foster parent or walking the foster care journey, this podcast will help you navigate the challenges, celebrate the wins, and stay encouraged along the way.
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