Ep. 171: Dr. Kimberly Offutt on empowering through foster care.
What happens when a child turns 18... and has no one to call?
Every year, nearly 25,000 young adults age out of the U.S. foster care system without the lifelong support of a family. Many face homelessness, incarceration, poverty, or isolation—not because they lack potential, but because they lack belonging.
In this powerful episode of The Mercy Cast, I welcome Dr. Kimberly Offutt, Executive Branch Director of Bethany Christian Services in Atlanta, a foster and adoptive mom, and a child welfare leader. Together, we explore what it means to move beyond programs and systems to become the kind of people who offer hope, community, and lasting relationships.
This conversation will challenge the way you think about foster care, compassion, and the Church's role in caring for vulnerable children.
In This Episode
Why foster care was never designed to raise children
What really happens when youth age out of foster care
The hidden crisis facing thousands of young adults every year.
Why belonging matters more than programs
How one caring adult can change a child's future
The power of mentoring, community, and showing up
Why empowerment is more effective than rescue
How churches can support foster families before crises happen
The importance of listening to people with lived experience
Why healing often happens while helping others
Practical ways anyone can support children and families impacted by foster care
Key Takeaways
Children don't need a perfect system—they need people who won't leave.
Dr. Offutt explains that foster care is meant to be temporary, yet thousands of children spend years in the system before aging out without the support many of us take for granted.
One trusted adult.
One emergency contact.
One mentor.
One family willing to say, "I'm here for you."
Sometimes that's enough to change the trajectory of a life.
Empowerment Over Rescue
Rather than approaching vulnerable neighbors with a savior mentality, Dr. Offutt encourages us to walk with people instead of trying to fix them.
Real transformation happens when we:
Listen before leading.
Empower instead of rescuing.
Value lived experience.
Build relationships instead of programs.
Create community instead of dependency.
Memorable Quotes
"Systems weren't designed to raise children."
"Children don't need another program. They need belonging."
"You are the hero of your own story."
"We're not called to be saviors—we're called to walk alongside people."
"Sometimes all it takes is one person willing to say yes."
Practical Next Steps
If you've ever wondered how you can help children in foster care, Dr. Offutt offers simple encouragement:
Learn about foster care in your community.
Attend an informational meeting or orientation.
Support foster families through your local church.
Become a mentor to a young person.
Listen to those with lived experience.
Say yes to opportunities to serve.
Remember that you don't have to be perfect to make a difference.
Share This Episode
If this conversation challenged or encouraged you, share it with a pastor, foster parent, social worker, teacher, ministry leader, or anyone passionate about caring for vulnerable children.
One conversation can inspire one "yes."
And one "yes" can change a life.
Subscribe to The Mercy Cast for more conversations that inspire compassion, challenge assumptions, and equip you to love your most vulnerable neighbors well.
Remember, You are loved.
Listen to the full episode:
About Dr. Kimberly Offutt
Dr. Kimberly Offutt serves as the Executive Branch Director for Bethany Christian Services in Atlanta and has spent decades serving children and families through foster care, adoption, and child welfare. As both a leader and an adoptive mother, she brings professional expertise and deeply personal insight into what children need most: lasting relationships, hope, and belonging.
Learn more about Bethany.org and find resources for helping you care for your neighbors in and through foster care.
Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!
Email us at info@mercycast.com.
For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.