The ultimate goal of foster care is reunifying children with their biological parents when it is safe to do so.
Recently, Kari and Jordan Nietzel walked alongside two biological parents and worked toward reunification together.
Kari and Jordan fostered two siblings—a 2-year-old boy and a 5-month-old girl. They initially welcomed them into their home temporarily but ultimately decided to foster them permanently.
The 5-month-old had a heart condition that required a lot of attention, so going from three biological children to five children was an adjustment.
“I was shocked at how well [our children] handled the transition,” Kari shared. “Your kids humble you in how they effortlessly love the children in your home.”
Kari said their children stepped up to “be little caretakers” while witnessing two biological parents who loved their children working hard to reunify with them.
“These parents love their children and acknowledged they messed up and needed to do better,” Kari said. “They went above and beyond to be there for their children.”
These parents prioritized seeing their children every chance they got, frequently driving from Moberly to Columbia for doctor’s appointments, time at the park, or supervised visits with their children.
“Any time I offered something, they took me up on it,” Kari said. They even began going to the Nietzels’ church to see their children every Sunday.
Because the Nietzels interacted with the biological parents so much, they were able to build a strong relationship based on genuine care for one another.
“When everyone in the world has told you that you screwed up, it can be healing to know that people genuinely care about your family,” Kari said.
When the biological parents were able to reunify with their children, the Nietzels celebrated, even while they were grieving this transition.
“It was all celebration,” Kari said. “We knew that they were going to a safe, loving place. For months, our kids would think of all the good things in tears, and we would cry joyful, happy tears with them.”
Since the reunification, the Nietzels have had this family over for dinner and helped them navigate logistical hardships after both parents lost their jobs at the same time.
In January, their daughter needed surgery in Kansas City to address her heart condition. The Nietzels helped them get an oil change for their commute from Moberly to Kansas City and sent meals to support them during her recovery.
“We just want to let them know we’re here and we care,” Kari said.
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