For Kansas foster parent Amanda Pfannenstiel, foster care isn’t an abstract idea — it’s deeply personal.
Amanda grew up in western Kansas and spent part of her childhood in foster care. Though she was adopted, she later returned to the system and ultimately aged out as a young adult. Today, she is the parent of four biological children and currently cares for three foster children — giving them what she once needed most: safety, stability, and a place to belong.
“I tell them, ‘This is your home now — until your next step in life,’” Amanda said. “I treat them just like my own kids. Everything’s the same. They go everywhere with me.”
Her journey into fostering began unexpectedly through a non‑related kinship placement. Encouraged by her former social worker, Amanda completed her licensing, knowing firsthand how important it is for children to have a safe place to land.
That sense of permanence matters.
“When they ask, ‘Where am I going to go next?’ I tell them, ‘You get to stay here as long as you want,’” she shared. “They need to know they’re safe.”
Over time, Amanda has watched children slowly relax into family life — coming out of their rooms, joining in play, forming bonds with siblings. One child who once isolated now spends his days laughing and playing, even mixing playful complaints with smiles.
Another surprise came when a child began calling her “Mom” almost immediately.
“It felt strange at first,” Amanda admitted. “But I realized that’s what made her feel comfortable — and knowing that felt good.”
On hard days, Amanda draws strength from empathy rooted in experience.
“I know what it feels like to miss your mom or want to go home,” she said. “Because I’ve been there. And knowing that reminds me — they need me.”
Her message this Foster Care Month is simple: focus on the kids.
“If people thought more about the children and less about the horror stories, they might be more willing to try,” she said. “Even trying matters.”
Learn how you can take a seat at the table for a child in Kansas:
Visit 👉 https://tfirecruitment.org/
