Drawing on more than two decades of child welfare experience, Offutt examines preparation, compassion, faith, and family considerations in foster care.
New York City, NY, September 30, 2026 — Dr. Kimberly Offutt has released Say Yes: Embracing the Unexpected Journey of Foster Care, a guide for prospective and current foster parents that draws on more than two decades of experience in child welfare.
Drawing on her work as a social worker, foster parent, adoptive parent, trainer, and advocate, Offutt addresses foster care from both professional and personal perspectives. The book discusses practical considerations for families exploring foster parenting as well as individuals and communities seeking to better understand the foster-care system.
Throughout Say Yes: Embracing the Unexpected Journey of Foster Care, Offutt examines topics that prospective foster parents may encounter, including licensing and assessment, trauma, relationships with biological families, and the effect fostering can have on an entire household.
The book also discusses healing-centered parenting, cultural humility, diversity, belonging, and the importance of recognizing the experiences and relationships children may bring with them when entering foster care.
Offutt emphasizes that foster parenting requires preparation, patience, adaptability, and access to informed support. Rather than presenting foster care as a simple process, the book considers the practical and emotional responsibilities involved in caring for children who may have experienced disruption or difficult circumstances.
Her perspective is shaped by experience across several areas of child welfare. In addition to her professional work as a social worker and trainer, Offutt has personal experience as a foster and adoptive parent.
Faith is also part of the book’s framework. Offutt discusses how faith can influence an individual’s decision to consider fostering while emphasizing continued learning, preparation, and support throughout the process.
The book also examines how fostering can affect other members of a household. Topics include maintaining family relationships, supporting children already in the home, navigating uncertainty, and creating a stable family environment.
Say Yes: Embracing the Unexpected Journey of Foster Care is intended for prospective and current foster parents as well as churches, ministries, community organizations, and individuals interested in supporting children and foster families.
Through the book, Offutt provides an overview of foster care informed by her experience in social work, parenting, training, and advocacy, with a focus on preparation, compassion, family dynamics, and the needs of children.
The book is available at:
https://a.co/d/02UHbRgS
Media Contact Information
Dr. Kimberly Offutt
BrightKey PR
media@brightkeypr.com
646-640-0262
