by Dr. Veronica Shead, Foster Parent
From a young age, I imagined what adoption might look like. Now, as a clinical psychologist, I’ve dedicated my career to confronting the inequities that affect Black and Brown children in the foster care system.
I’ve always known that I wanted to foster. Once I reached a point of stability, I decided to take the next step and pursue licensure. As a single professional with a demanding career, I knew this choice would bring major change—but I also knew it could create lasting impact for a child in need.
I felt a deep calling to serve children and families in my community. When I initially reached out to a local agency to explore fostering, the conversation left me feeling discouraged and misunderstood. At that foster care agency, no one asked me why I wanted to foster—a question that would have revealed my heart for providing a safe, nurturing place for children who needed stability. Instead, I was directed toward adoption. As a young, single woman, I sensed that my desire to make a difference wasn’t fully seen or valued.
Time passed, but the desire never faded. Then one day, I saw a news segment about the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition’s RESPOND program, which recruits, trains, and supports Black/African American foster parents. This time, the experience was entirely different.
It couldn’t have been a more different conversation. I felt seen, valued, and supported. The RESPOND team understood why I wanted to do this.
Within months, I completed training and became a licensed foster parent. My first placement was a three-year-old girl who had already experienced three placements in a single year. Soon after, I welcomed fraternal twins home from the NICU. They were born drug-exposed and required specialized care and nurturing attention.
For me, fostering has been both an act of advocacy and deep compassion. I bring my expertise as a mental health professional into Family Support Team meetings, pushing for more meaningful conversations about the systemic issues that families bring into care. So often, we focus on plans and checklists, but we’re not asking the right questions about what led us here.
Through RESPOND’s guidance and ongoing support, I’ve found both community and purpose. I continue to challenge perceptions of who can foster and why it matters.
There’s nothing special about me. You don’t have to have everything in your life perfectly in order. You just have to be willing to care—for a child, for a family, and for your community.
Today, my story is a reminder that one person’s commitment can create real, lasting impact for children impacted by foster care. Through RESPOND, I’ve been able to provide safe, culturally affirming homes and help build a stronger community of support for Black/African American children. My journey reflects the Coalition’s mission in action: ensuring every child has a stable, nurturing place to call home.