Foster Care in Arizona: A Mission of Love, Faith and Family
Foster care. Two words that spark sadness, compassion, interest, confusion, anger and action. The plight of thousands of children in Arizona being removed from their families—often permanently—should stir these emotions.
Some families feel called to open their homes to children in foster care, whether for a month or a lifetime. As a foster care licensing agency in Arizona, contracted with the state, Arizona Baptist Children’s Services & Family Ministries (ABCS) is privileged to walk alongside foster and adoptive families serving these vulnerable children.
Foster Care as a Mission Field
We view foster care as a mission field and foster families as missionaries. These parents minister in their own living rooms—opening their hearts and homes to children and caring for their varied and often challenging needs.
Opportunities abound to show the love and hope found in Jesus. Families not only serve the children but also support and minister to their biological families and all those involved in the case. The impact of foster care reaches beyond one child, extending to entire families and even future generations.
Arms of Love Foster Care: A Heart Like His
In 2017, we celebrated a record: 102 children adopted through foster care into forever families. Adoption is a beautiful image of God’s adoption of us into His family. Just as God knits His family together, He brings together families here on earth.
While adoption is a joyful event, it also comes with a sense of loss. When parental rights are severed, the possibility of reunification is gone. Even young children as they grow may grieve the fact that their parents couldn’t care for them. That’s why our ministry prioritizes family reunification whenever possible while supporting adoption when it’s the right path forward.
Real Foster Care and Adoption Stories from Arizona Families
We asked a few families who recently adopted through foster care to share their experiences. They represent the 492 foster families we’ve licensed since 2012—who collectively cared for 2,124 children and adopted 419 of them.
Rachael and Mark DeYoung
“Imagine someone blindfolding you, asking you to strap into an unfamiliar roller coaster and telling you to enjoy the ride,” says foster dad Mark DeYoung. “Would you bolt or pray and hang on?”
The DeYoungs’ first placement was challenging—their foster son eventually entered treatment for depression, self-harm and threatening behaviors. Still, they saw God’s love at work and were prepared for the next placement. Today, Rachael and Mark are parents to their adopted daughter, continuing the ride as a forever family.
The Ryberg Family
Licensed with ABCS since 2013, the Rybergs adopted two boys with Down syndrome from separate families. Despite different backgrounds, both boys share the blessing of an extra chromosome and two parents ready to love and raise them in Christ. Lori Ryberg says, “We’ve always seen special needs adoption as a way to help. To show Christ to the world.”
Andrew and Shelly McGuire
After years of infertility, Andrew and Shelly McGuire turned to foster care. They have since adopted three children—Melody, Stephen and Jasmyn—from different families.
“Some days are very difficult,” they shared, “as we deal with the emotional trauma our children have endured. But this isn’t a sprint—it’s a race of endurance. The greatest joy will come when the hard work is done and we know we gave everything we had.”
The Frankland Family
As a kinship foster and adoptive family, the Franklands adopted their grandchildren—Olivia, Trey and Sophia. Kinship adoption eases the transition for many children who remain with familiar relatives.
According to the Franklands, “The kids have kept us busy but also kept us younger. What a blessing to watch them grow and develop into fine young men and women.”
Anthony and Melinda Coveris
After fostering for 13 months, Melinda and Anthony Coveris adopted little Jase.
Melinda describes adoption as “a beautiful story of the Gospel—brokenness transformed into hope through sacrificial love.” Though the journey brought many fears and unknowns, their faith carried them through. “God challenged our patience and our faith which strengthened us as a family,” she says.
The Edwards Family
“Our family has forever been changed by our foster care and adoption experience,” shared the Edwards family. “We’re so grateful for the love and support we received from ABCS throughout our journey.”
A Legacy of Caring for Children in Arizona
Arizona Baptist Children’s Services & Family Ministries has a long history of serving children in state custody and displaced children in Arizona. Founded nearly 60 years ago as a home for orphans, our reach has expanded through ministries like Arms of Love Foster Care.
We are thankful to work alongside foster, adoptive and biological families in Arizona, and we praise God for His continued work through this ministry.
Your support makes this work possible. Thank you for being part of the story.
EN 
ES