Focus on Family: Care for Sibling Groups
What You'll Learn
For Mindy Wilson, becoming a foster parent providing care for sibling groups wasn’t something she initially planned—it was something she felt called to do when the moment arrived. In 2023, a group of friends reached out to Mindy asking if she would care for a 3-week-old baby to help prevent the involvement of children’s services. Without hesitation, Mindy said yes. What began as a temporary third-party placement soon grew into a much larger commitment when child protective services became involved and asked her to also care for the baby’s siblings.
Commitment to Providing Care for Sibling Groups to Stay Together
For nearly 18 months, Mindy cared for the children, offering them love, stability, and a sense of family. When the court later required her to become a licensed foster caregiver, Mindy reached out to a friend already licensed with OhioGuidestone. That friend connected her with Allison McQueen, OhioGuidestone Foster Care Regional Coordinator, who quickly guided her through the home study and licensing process so the children could officially remain in her care.
Mindy became a licensed foster parent in January 2025—a decision she says has been the most rewarding thing she’s ever done.
I wish I would’ve started the process earlier,” she shares. “Foster care has changed my life for the better.
Mindy Wilson
Providing Care for Sibling Groups with OhioGuidestone
Today, Mindy is caring for a sibling group of three girls and has also opened her home to a teenage boy. She says that the most rewarding part of her journey has been working with OhioGuidestone and Stark County Children’s Services. “They always make me feel welcome,” Mindy says. “They’re supportive, they give constructive feedback, and they recognize when I’m doing something well.”
Celebrating Milestones with Foster Siblings
Seeing her children reach new milestones has been one of the greatest joys. Two of her girls came to her nonverbal and unpotty-trained at ages 4 and 5. With patience, dedication, and a lot of love, Mindy has helped them develop communication skills and independence.
Watching their progress has been incredible,” she says. “The cuddles and hearing them say they love me make it all worth it.”
Navigating Challenges While Caring for Sibling Groups
Like many foster parents, Mindy has faced challenges—especially learning to support children with developmental delays and adjusting to each child’s unique needs. “It can be difficult when one child is lower functioning and another is very advanced,” she admits. “Balancing that can be tricky, but you find a rhythm.”
Thankfully, Mindy has a strong support system of friends and substitute caregivers who step in when she needs an extra hand. Their encouragement has been vital in helping her navigate the ups and downs of foster care.
When asked what advice she’d give to anyone considering foster care, Mindy doesn’t hesitate:
“Just do it. You never know if you can do it until you try. Even though there are struggles, you grow with the kids. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have if you have love to give and space to provide.”
As the holidays approach, Mindy is looking forward to celebrating with her children and watching their excitement fill the home. “Seeing their joy during the holidays and watching them grow is the best gift,” she says with a smile.
Through her journey, Mindy Wilson has shown that love, resilience, and community can truly change lives—one child at a time.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about foster care, please complete an inquiry to start the process.
If you enjoyed reading Mindy’s story, check out two additional Focus on Family stories to learn more about foster care for sibling groups:
- Two parents share their foster care to adoption story
- A foster couple shares their 5 best tips.