When she was young, Julie Burris would listen to “The Little Girl” by John Michael Montgomery, a song about a girl in foster care. She’d imagine the impact she could make on that little girl’s life by becoming a foster parent, not knowing this dream would one day come to fruition.
Twelve years ago, when Julie married her husband, Todd, their family consisted of the two of them and Julie’s older biological son. Julie and Todd hoped to have children together, but medical issues prevented this.
Julie then remembered the song she loved so many years ago. She knew just what to do. With Todd on board, the couple decided to become licensed foster parents.
A Lifelong Dream Becomes Reality
They began working with a licensing agency but didn’t seem to be receiving any calls for placements. They then met Angie King with the Foster Connect support group. Angie, a former foster mom, recommended that Julie and Todd work with Catholic Charities.
Jule and Todd switched to Catholic Charities’ Foster Care and Adoption program and were glad to be working with an agency that reflected their Christian values. They were impressed by the level of support they received. They knew their licensing workers, Donna and Jody, were just a call away.
Learning and Growing Through Foster Care
In the past four years, they’ve fostered 10 children. Many didn’t stay long, which was the hardest part for Julie. Each time she gets a new placement, there’s always an adjustment period with its fair share of unknowns.
“It's been an experience. Every kid is different. Every circumstance is different, and it's a learning process,” says Julie.
A Chance Placement Leads to Adoption
Just recently, Julie and Todd adopted their first placement, Jordan, and her little brother, Tanner. Jordan, now 16 years old, was just 13 when she was placed with the family. Although Julie and Todd weren’t planning on fostering a teen, they opened their hearts anyway.
The road to Jordan and Tanner’s adoption was a long one. At first, it seemed like Jordan would be reunified with her biological parents. But they were inconsistent with visits, and things fell through.
Once the biological parents’ rights were severed, Julie and Todd had to wait for an adoption date. Although Julie and Todd felt for them, they had to do what was best for the kids. After six years of being in the foster care system, Jordan and Tanner’s adoption was finalized.
Developing a Deeper Relationship After Adoption
Since then, Julie and Todd’s relationship with Tanner in particular has changed dramatically. Because of his past, Tanner had only felt comfortable referring to them as “Mom” and “Dad” to other people. After the adoption, he knew they weren’t going anywhere and began calling them “Mom” and “Dad” directly.
Julie encourages anyone considering becoming a foster parent to follow their heart. “Learn everything you can because it's not easy. And be prepared to cry, but be prepared to love at the same time,” she adds.
