Across Georgia, the greatest need in foster care is for families willing to open their homes to teenagers. Yet many teens wait longer for placement because of misconceptions about their coming of age.
“I think the biggest misunderstanding about fostering teens is that they are too independent and not interested in a family,” says Telisha Burke, a foster parent of six years.
In reality, she says, the opposite is true.
“Most teens just want to be loved. They want to be heard. They want a sense of belonging.”
Each year, more than 700 teens in Georgia transition out of foster care without a permanent family. Without that foundation, they face a higher risk of homelessness, unemployment, and instability — outcomes that a caring, committed family can help prevent.
For Telisha, that commitment is both a calling and a personal one. Growing up alongside foster siblings she now considers family, she learned early that belonging does not require paperwork. “Paperwork couldn’t make us more family,” she reflects, echoing why her parents never pursued adoption. That foundation shaped her philosophy: fostering is not about replacing a family, but building a bridge and honoring the relationships that still matter to teens.
She has seen how powerful that bridge can be. When one of the teens in her care, Bridget, wanted to celebrate her biological mother’s birthday, Telisha helped plan a surprise visit — complete with balloons, flowers, and a cake.
“Her mom was completely surprised, and Bridget was over-the-top happy,” Telisha recalls.
Teens in foster care love their parents and siblings, even when circumstances have separated them. Foster parents play an important role in supporting those relationships while helping young people find stability.
Fostering teens also comes with strengths that many people overlook.
“Most teens are self-sufficient. They may just need support building life skills, and that doesn’t take long to develop,” Telisha explains. “They learn quicker than babies and toddlers, and it’s much easier to teach them because they’re almost ready for the real world.”
Teens are forming their identity, discovering their interests, and preparing for adulthood. With consistent support, they can build confidence and develop the skills they need to move toward a stable future.
For many teens in foster care, one consistent, caring adult can change the trajectory of their lives. One loving family can make all the difference.
