TV show 9-1-1 deals with loss felt by foster parents at reunification
Foster parents, when they take a new placement, know that reunification is usually the goal. They know the child they’ll come to know and love is supposed to go home – whenever possible – to biological family members.
But knowing that doesn’t mean it’s easy when a child – who may have lived with you for months or longer – says goodbye.
The television show 9-1-1 deals with this in the episode titled Parenthood. Foster parents Hen (Aisha Hinds) and Karen (Tracie Thoms) watch their foster daughter visit her biological mom, then stay overnight, then go home for good. They sob and Hen says she can never foster again because the loss is just too hard for her.
But by the end of the episode, Hen changes her mind. Then you see a caseworker bring a young boy and girl to their home. Their adopted son shows the two new residents around the house.
We know many of our foster parents have struggled with this same loss. We appreciate how difficult the job of a foster parent can be – to love unconditionally, but also to let go when it’s time.
You can see the episode on Hulu or here.