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When Chris and Elizabeth decided to grow their family, they didn’t just consider their own future – they thought about children who needed a safe, loving home. Both were raised with a strong sense of faith and a deep understanding of the importance of family and wanted to offer siblings in foster care a loving place to land. 

Today, they’ve been foster parents with The Buckeye Ranch for over six years, and their journey has been filled with both challenges and tremendous rewards, particularly as they’ve dedicated themselves to keeping siblings in foster care together.

Fostering a Heart for Others 

Elizabeth grew up on a dairy farm in West Liberty, Ohio. Her parents had always considered adoption and even went through the necessary training to pursue it when she was young. Though the family ultimately did not adopt, the experience sparked Elizabeth’s passion for foster care, adoption, and caring for children in need. Chris, who grew up in Marysville, Ohio, shared a similar vision, “When Elizabeth and I were dating, we talked then about adopting and always knew we wanted to provide support to children who needed it,” he shares. 

Faith is at the center of their lives, guiding them in every decision, including the one to become foster parents. “Children are a gift,” Elizabeth shares, “and all children deserve a chance to feel loved.”  

With a heart for others, they were ready to grow their family through adoption, but their experiences with a private adoption agency left a lot to be desired. Instead, they followed the recommendation of a friend and turned to The Buckeye Ranch to pursue foster parenting. 

Their Journey into Fostering 

Once connected with The Buckeye Ranch, Chris and Elizabeth began the foster parent licensing process, and knew they were on the right path. “We had love to give, and we wanted to help kids who needed stability,” Elizabeth explains.  

They have been fostering now for over six years and have cared for five sibling groups in foster care. They remain firmly committed to keeping brothers and sisters together. Due to lack of qualified foster homes, 53-80% of siblings are separated when placed in foster care in the United States. The Buckeye Ranch knows youth do better when they remain connected to family members they know and love. Elizabeth and Chris understand the importance of these connections as children navigate the trauma of removal and placement in foster care. 

The Trials and Triumphs of Caring for Siblings in Foster Care 

The very first children placed in their home were infant twins and it was a deeply challenging experience. They shared that the experience was one that would deter many from continuing to foster, but they knew they had more love to give. Thankfully, what followed were two children that served as a beautiful testament to the benefit of caring for siblings in foster care. 

Soon after their first experience, they were able to care for a young boy and his baby sister while a family member (known as kinship care) was assessed for long term planning, and the transition was smooth and beautiful. Later, they provided care for another brother and sister right at the start of lockdown from the Covid-19 pandemic, ultimately helping them reunite with their mother. “We have kept in touch; mom has been very grateful for everything we did for her kids. We’ve been able to see them a couple of times and are happy to see they are doing well,” Elizabeth and Chris share. They had other siblings for a little over two years, and were able to help the kids transition to the care of their aunt.  

Currently, Chis and Elizabeth are caring for two elementary-aged girls. Initially, only one of the sisters was placed in their care, and they advocated tirelessly to get them reunited. The journey has been challenging, with many challenging behaviors to work through, but Chris and Elizabeth are beginning to see progress and are committed to helping the sisters heal … together. 

Overcoming Obstacles as a Family 

In difficult times, the family finds humor and always stays honest with one another about the realities of fostering. Chris and Elizabeth have three children of their own with another on the way. Their children have been wonderfully supportive, learning to navigate the changes that come with each new child placed in their home. “Our kids love having new friends to share life with,” Elizabeth shares. “They have been very open and excited about each and every child.”  

Fostering often comes with complex challenges given that children have experienced the trauma of being abused or neglected by those they love, but Chris and Elizabeth maintain that the love and growth they can instill in the youth they care for makes it all worthwhile. Elizabeth explains, “Fostering is raw and painful at times, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences to see the joy and growth in the faces of the kids in our care, as they learn to trust and open up.” The family also takes comfort in knowing that they have resources through The Buckeye Ranch they can always rely on. 

Finding Foster Care Support from The Buckeye Ranch 

The right support is crucial for families caring for siblings in foster care. Many children in foster care experience complex traumas that can be overwhelming physically and emotionally. Thankfully, The Buckeye Ranch provides robust support services, including 24/7 on-call support, personalized case management, and trauma-informed care training to all of our foster families. 

From initial inquiry to pre-service training, licensure, and ongoing support throughout the placement, our Foster Care team is there supporting our foster families every step of the way. “We were highly recommended to The Buckeye Ranch, and we’ve been so happy with the support we’ve received,” says Chris. Their case manager, Regan, has been instrumental in the family’s success, offering guidance and support. “Regan has been like a counselor to us, she’s been a voice of reason and is always available to help when we need it. We wouldn’t be as successful with our kids without her,” says Elizabeth. “She has great ideas and strategies to pass along to us; she is actively engaged in the lives of our girls and works hard to find resources and solutions to meet our needs. “ 

A major benefit they mention is The Buckeye Ranch’s robust and flexible training opportunities and resources.  These include online training courses to help foster families feel confident in their new role and make space for training in their busy schedules as they are also caring for the children in their home.  

Celebrating Growth and Connection as a Foster Parent 

As foster parents, Chris and Elizabeth witnessed the incredible transformations of the children in their care. They remember one little boy who came to them at six months old, unable to show any emotion. “He had no facial expressions at all,” Elizabeth recalls. “By the time he left at three years old, he was talking, laughing, and lighting up every room. It was incredible to see.”

These moments are what make fostering so meaningful to Chris and Elizabeth. Whether it’s seeing a child develop emotionally, or witnessing a family reunification, they feel the deep reward of knowing they’ve made a difference.

Words of Wisdom for Future Foster Parents 

Chris and Elizabeth’s journey as foster parents has taught them valuable lessons about patience, accepting what is out of their control, and understanding the deep needs of children who have experienced trauma. “Parenting is hard, and foster parenting adds

another layer that makes it even harder,” Elizabeth shares, “It takes a lot of time, intentionality and patience. There is a deep need for good foster parents that know it takes a lot and are committed to the long-haul of it.”  

They also emphasize that fostering isn’t just about providing for the children’s immediate needs – it’s about offering them a chance to build trust and emotional stability. “As a foster parent, you have to recognize these kids have challenges, and you have to give them safety, stability, grace, and compassion to see them through big feelings and emotions,” Chris shares.

 If you’re considering fostering, Chris and Elizabeth’s advice is clear “Trust the calling. You can be the safe place these kids need to grow and heal.” 

At The Buckeye Ranch, we are looking for compassionate families to join our foster care community. If you’re ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of youth in need, we invite you to learn more about becoming a foster parent today!