Focus On Family: Inspiring Love from a Single Foster Parent
The Path to Fostering as a Single Foster Parent
Since becoming a licensed Single Foster Parent with OhioGuidestone in August 2023, Luke Curl has opened both his heart and his home to children in need, guided by a deep sense of purpose rooted in family, service, and compassion.
Luke’s story begins in a home filled with the sounds and stories of a large family—nine brothers and five sisters strong. Growing up in such a big household gave Luke a sense of connection, responsibility, and joy that would later inspire his desire to raise a large family of his own.
Key Takeaways
A Heart for Service: From Social Worker to Single Foster Parent
That dream, paired with his professional background as a social worker and Guardian ad Litem, made fostering a natural next step.
“For years, I worked with children in the system,” Luke shares. “I wanted to be the kind of support at home that I saw so many kids needed.”
Since becoming licensed, Luke has welcomed four placements and provided multiple respite stays for children. While each child brings new dynamics and challenges, Luke approaches every situation with patience, compassion, and an open heart. He is especially attuned to the emotional pain children carry—particularly after visits with their biological parents.
“The hardest part is watching the kids grieve separation from their mom,” Luke explains. “They’ll come home after visits and just cry. It’s heartbreaking.”
To help them through these difficult times, Luke has developed a simple but powerful strategy: distraction through joy. Whether it’s a trip to the park, movie night, or a spontaneous dance party in the living room, he creates happy memories to help soften the pain.
Finding Joy Amidst the Challenges of Foster Care as a Single Foster Parent
But for Luke, the rewards of fostering far outweigh the challenges. “The best part is coming home from work and having the kids run up to greet me with hugs and excitement. That moment makes it all worth it.”
As a dedicated single foster parent, Luke admits the journey comes with sacrifices. After losing his mother several years ago, he no longer has the built-in support system many rely on. Yet, he credits OhioGuidestone with stepping into that role.
“They check in, they’re respectful, and they genuinely care,” Luke says. “I know I can always reach out when I need advice or just someone to talk things through with.”
Luke also acknowledges that fostering isn’t without its complexities. He reflects on the challenges of providing respite care for children with high levels of trauma while still protecting the stability of the children already in his home. “It’s a delicate balance,” he says, “trying to offer nurture and safety at the same time.”
Despite the long nights, emotional moments, and constant energy that children bring, Luke embraces his role fully. “You’re going to lose sleep,” he laughs, “but it’s worth it. At this point in my life, I know I have to put myself on hold to give these kids the care they deserve.”
Advice for Future Single Foster Parents
His advice to other prospective foster parents is heartfelt and simple:
Be patient. Be willing. If you have the space—emotionally, physically, spiritually—do it. You’ll be surprised by how much love you have to give.
Luke Curl
And perhaps most importantly, Luke encourages others to know their boundaries. “Learn to say no when you need to,” he says. “It’s not about taking every call — it’s about being the best you can be for the kids in your care.”
With his lived experience, unwavering dedication, and deep empathy, Luke Curl is not just a foster parent— he’s an inspiring single foster parent, a safe place for children to land, a steady hand during uncertain times, and a reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, love and support can make all the difference.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about Ohio foster care, please complete an inquiry to start the process.
If you enjoyed reading Brenda and Eli’s story, check out two additional Focus on Family stories to learn more about Ohio foster care:
- Two parents share their foster care to adoption story
- a foster couple shares their 5 best tips.