Children with medical needs wait longer for foster families. Dianne McGinn shares what she has learned in her 30 years of supporting families who say yes to this meaningful journey.
Families who open their homes to children with complex medical needs offer something extraordinary. They create space for healing, belonging, and growth in moments that can feel overwhelming. In this guest blog, Program Director Dianne McGinn reflects on what she has learned across three decades in the field, sharing an honest and uplifting look at why the joys of fostering often outweigh the challenges.
“Having worked in the foster care field for more than 30 years, I’m struck now more than ever by the challenges facing families who are considering foster care. Life has become more complicated. Busier. With plates that feel fuller than ever before. The approval process alone can seem overwhelming.”
As Dianne notes, today’s families carry more than ever. Time, energy, and emotional bandwidth feel stretched. Even with these challenges, families continue to discover new ways to come together and support children with complex medical needs—a journey that is now more openly shared and understood than ever before.
“At the same time, social media and other online venues allow current and former foster parents to share their experiences through blogs, pages, and videos. There is less mystery now than ever before about what fostering might look like.”
Greater transparency has empowered families—but it has also revealed the depth of need.
“Busy lives and full plates have contributed to a profound nationwide shortage of foster parents. There simply are not enough families to welcome children who are in dire need of homes.”
This shortage has a real impact. While many children need safe, stable homes, those with significant medical needs face the longest waits.
These children thrive in homes where they can be seen, nurtured, and celebrated—not just medically cared for, but emotionally supported.
Dianne has spent most of her career walking alongside foster parents who welcome children with complex medical needs. What she has witnessed continues to inspire her.
“Supporting families who parent foster children with health challenges is how I have spent my career. I’ve learned something from our foster parents. When they create space in their lives and say yes to children with medical complexities, the joys always seem to outweigh the trials.”
Despite rigorous care routines and appointments something profound happens in these homes.
“In a fast-paced world, children with medical complexities demand that you slow down… Every hard-fought developmental and health milestone is deeply celebrated and treasured.”
Moments that might feel small to others—eye contact, a new sound, a tiny movement—become milestones of hope and connection.
Dianne also sees how caregiving shapes families from the inside out.
“Foster parents who provide direct medical care on a daily basis report feeling deeply connected to their foster child, often from the outset.”
These bonds form quickly and meaningfully. With them comes a renewed sense of purpose.
“Providing complex care often results in a profound sense of purpose. Also, navigating the many moving parts of health care boosts confidence. Our foster parents discover that special needs caregiving grows their compassion, strength and capabilities to a level they never thought possible ”
The journey is challenging, yet filled with joy that is steady, surprising, and transformative.
“The challenges are there daily. And so is the joy.”
Families in our medically fragile program have generously shared their journeys, offering real examples of the joy and growth Dianne describes. Their stories show what becomes possible when a family opens its heart to a child with complex needs.
“You can find both [challenges and joy] in the stories shared by parents who have fostered with our program. Let their stories inspire you to learn more about fostering children who will stretch you and grow you in unimaginable ways.”
This easy self-assessment will show if you meet our basic requirements to foster children with medical needs.
There are many memorable experiences for foster families to enjoy this summer. Here are 14 of our favorite activities in Savannah, Georgia.
Looking for fun activities for the whole family in MA? Here’s a list of 35 summer activities for foster families throughout the state of...
There’s no shortage of fun summer activities for foster families in Indianapolis. Check out our list, which includes horseback riding, museums, and...
