Focus on Family: Ohio Foster Care Journey

For the past eight years, Jaimie and Heather Smith have opened their hearts and home to children in need through Ohio foster care. Partnering with OhioGuidestone, they have created a nontraditional family rooted in love, resilience, and hope—one that they describe as a “big, full life” they wouldn’t change for anything.

Starting an Ohio Foster Care Journey

Jaimie began the Ohio foster care process as a single applicant. After the sudden loss of a close friend, she found herself reflecting deeply on her life’s purpose. Though she had always wanted to build a family, this loss gave her the clarity and motivation to take the leap to get involved with Ohio foster care.

“I was scared,” she recalls, “but I realized my life was all about me—and that wasn’t what I wanted.” She enrolled in classes and began the foster licensing process, stepping into a journey that she now describes as the hardest—and best—thing she’s ever done. “Hard doesn’t always mean bad,” she adds.

When Heather relocated from out of state, she joined Jaimie in the foster care journey and became licensed as well. Together, they have fostered five children and adopted two. Now, they are hopeful that their current placement will become a permanent member of their family.

Facing the Challenges

While fostering has brought immense joy, it hasn’t come without challenges. For Heather, the hardest moments have come from the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty.

“Thinking a child is going to be with you permanently, and then seeing them reunified or placed with family at the last minute, is heartbreaking,” she says. “We’ve provided a loving home for years, and then had visits with people who barely knew the child. That’s been very scary.” Still, she acknowledges that in many cases, things have worked out for the best.

Jaimie has found the most difficult part to be advocating for her placements within the complexities of the child welfare system. Navigating relationships with protective teams and ensuring the best interests of the children are met can be exhausting. But she emphasizes the crucial role OhioGuidestone has played in supporting them.

“They’ve stood by us and helped lighten the weight of the hard moments,” she says. “This journey would’ve been much more difficult without their support.”

Celebrating the Joys

Amongst the challenges, joys shine brightly. Heather recalls the transformation of one of their foster daughters who arrived with delayed speech and difficulty communicating.

“Now, she can have conversations, identify animals, colors, and numbers, and even sleeps peacefully through the night,” Heather beams. “We’ve gotten to witness so many of her ‘firsts,’ even though she’s older—and that’s been incredible.”

The Smiths recognize the profound impact of consistent love, structure, and stability on children from trauma backgrounds. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child thrive,” Heather says.

Words of Wisdom for Those Considering Ohio Foster Care

For those considering becoming foster parents, Jaimie offers heartfelt advice: “Do it afraid.” She encourages new parents to embrace the unknown and trust in the available support systems. “There’s a lot to learn, but you’re not alone.”

She also stresses that “one-size-fits-all” parenting doesn’t apply in foster care. “Especially if you’ve parented before, know that parenting a child from trauma is different. They need routine, love, and structure—but also understanding and flexibility.”

Heather adds that new foster parents should always remember the primary goal: reunification. “You’re helping a child for as long as they’re with you. Focus on making a positive impact in that time. If they do reunify, that foundation you helped build will stay with them.”

Looking Ahead

As they plan for the future, Jaimie and Heather hope to travel more with their family. They dream of getting an RV equipped with adaptive tools to make adventures accessible for their special needs daughter. They look forward to giving their children experiences beyond their local community, and they remain committed to maintaining meaningful connections with their children’s biological families.

Through all the highs and lows, Jaimie and Heather’s foster care journey has been a testament to love, courage, and the power of chosen family. “Being a foster family has made our lives fuller,” they reflect. “It’s nontraditional, but it’s beautiful—and we wouldn’t change a thing.”

If you are interested in learning more about Ohio foster care, please complete an inquiry to start the process.

If you enjoyed reading Heather and Jaimie’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, and a foster couple shares their 5 best tips.