Why I became a foster dad

The most common question I was asked when my wife and I became foster parents was “Why?” Perhaps this is because we are a very nosy, inquisitive and curious society. We get other questions too, such as “Are they twins?” This is always puzzling because our son is a 2-year-old bear cub and our daughter at 13 months is about the size and looks of a peanut. No matter what, it’s pretty clear that our children don’t exactly look like us – so everyone always asks, “Why?”

The answer to this question depends on which “why” is being asked. Why don’t you have your “own” kids? Why did you choose to foster? Why did you want kids? Why didn’t you ask for kids that were “more like you?”

The simplest and best answer to “why” is “want.” I want to have children with my wife, and we have come to the realization that a family can grow in many different ways. This is the way we have chosen. I don’t think I can be better than anyone else as a father, I simply want to have children and want to be the best dad and foster dad that I can be.

Henry Knutson Licensed foster parent Children's Wisconsin

Children’s Wisconsin plays a big part in finding foster homes and adoptive families for kids in Wisconsin. At any given time, 7,000 children are in foster care in Wisconsin. We offer a team approach, working together to support the best interest of children and their families.