WICHITA, KAN. (May 7, 2026) – Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, seen and valued — a true seat at the table. For Wichita foster parents Dane and Brendan Reisch, fostering is about full inclusion, not temporary care.
The Reisch’s began their fostering journey with the intent to adopt, knowing they wanted to build their family while also meeting a very real need. After navigating traditional adoption options, they realized foster care offered children something far more meaningful: permanency, stability and belonging without barriers.
“When a child comes into our home, they’re not a guest,” said Dane Reisch. “They’re part of the family.”
That philosophy was especially clear the day their current placement arrived. After an exhausting day of transitions and finally arriving in an unfamiliar home, the Reisch’s showed the young boy his new space and told him it was his room, his own space.
“He just lit up. I think that was the moment it clicked that this wasn’t temporary — that he belonged here,” said Reisch.
Since becoming foster parents in 2025, the Reisch’s have welcomed two children into their home and are currently in the process of adopting their 11-year-old son. From family gatherings to everyday routines, they make a point to include foster children in every aspect of their lives.
“We don’t separate ‘our family’ and ‘our foster child,’” Reisch said. “We don’t take separate photos. We don’t leave anyone behind. They sit at the table with us — literally and figuratively.”
That sense of belonging has made a measurable difference. Teachers, therapists, and case teams have noted improvements in behavior, emotional regulation, and confidence — progress the Reisch’s credit to consistency and care.
“Kids in foster care aren’t there because life has been easy,” said Reisch. “They don’t need perfection. They need a steady adult who shows up and stays.”
During National Foster Care Month, the Reisch’s hope their story challenges misconceptions about who can foster.
“You don’t have to be wealthy. You don’t need a perfect home,” said Reisch. “If you have stability, patience and the willingness to care, you already have something to offer.”
Our community needs more foster parents like the Reisch’s. To learn more about becoming a foster parent or to apply please visit How To Become A Foster Parent – TFI
TFI is a leading child welfare agency providing experience, compassion, quality services and care. We have more than 60 years of experience strengthening families. We provide various services to the community, including foster and kinship care, case management, adoption, clinical and behavioral health, prevention and family preservation, residential, and numerous other child welfare services.
