A Foster Father’s Journey of Personal Growth and Fulfillment Through Adoption

Joel is a three-time adoptive parent, and he shares some of his stories and experiences from that perspective on today’s episode.

Joel’s journey into foster care and adoption was unexpected, but profoundly impactful. Struggling with addiction in his youth, Joel never imagined himself as a father. But after getting sober and working in addiction treatment, Joel was approached about adopting a boy named TJ who had endured 17 foster care placements in just two years.

Though daunted by the responsibility, Joel took TJ in and was amazed by his resilience. But Joel also saw how the system failed children, over-medicating and neglecting their needs. He fought for Justin’s wellbeing against assessments labeling him disabled for money. Witnessing the lack of advocacy, Joel became a fierce champion for foster kids.

Adopting Chris and Justin as well, Joel faced challenges but found fulfillment guiding them. When Walt asked how this shaped him, Joel reflected on learning patience through their experiences. An incident where Joel harshly punished TJ for marijuana taught him humility, realizing his ego mattered more than his son’s wellbeing.

Walt recognized that raising children, biologically or not, leads to self-growth. Interacting with others is how we improve. For Joel, adoption added people to better himself through. Though the work was difficult, Joel said changing a life was an “incredible” accomplishment.

When listeners expressed interest but concern, Joel advised therapeutic foster care’s support system. To worries about therapy, Joel asserted being willing to find a new one if unhelpful. Throughout, Joel emphasized resilience, hope and accepting children as individuals.

Joel’s website:  https://www.joelelston.com/

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