The Myths That Hurt: What Most People Get Wrong About Foster Care

When most people think of foster care, they picture a safety net—a system designed to protect children, meet their needs, and eventually reunify or adopt them into loving homes.

While that’s the hope, the truth is often far more complicated—and far more painful.

Here are some of the most damaging myths we encounter, and the realities we see every day on the ground.

Myth #1: “Kids in foster care get everything they need.”

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In reality, most children in care live without consistent access to enrichment, therapy, or even everyday experiences like birthday parties, sports teams, or after-school programs. As one of our team members said: “They barely get the two things that are most essential—safety and someone to love them.”

At Cobbled Streets, we step in where systems fall short—providing the extras that are actually essentials: joy, connection, and a chance to be seen for who they are.

Myth #2: “Foster youth are difficult or broken.”

Too often, kids in care are labeled as troubled, when in reality, they’re navigating trauma with the only tools they have.

Imagine being pulled from your home—however flawed—without warning, separated from siblings, and placed with strangers. Wouldn’t you struggle?

Foster youth are not broken. They are survivors. What they need isn’t judgment. It’s empathy. It's stability. It’s people who show up.

Myth #3: “Once they’re in foster care, they’re safe and settled.”

Placement instability is one of the biggest challenges kids face. Many move multiple times a year, disrupting their education, friendships, and sense of security.

That’s why programs like ours matter so much. One child’s only constant was her weekly gymnastics class. While her home life shifted again and again, that one place gave her peace, confidence, and the power to excel. She eventually competed at the state level and won.

Foster care isn’t a fairytale. But with the right support, these children can still write new endings.

Let’s replace myths with truth—and action.

Support our mission at www.cobbledstreets.org/donate.