By Debbie Kelley | Colorado Springs Gazette
Whenever Colorado Springs native Josh Skaggs feels like he’s losing patience or getting angry, the 36-year-old school teacher reminds himself of this: not too long ago, he was a stranger to the preteen and teen boys who now live in his home. They didn’t choose to be removed from their previous home or to be placed under his care.
“It’s really important to remember they didn’t put themselves in that situation,” he said. “They didn’t choose to be a foster kid; they’re just trying to grow up and survive and find their way.”
But foster care is surrounded by stigma and misperceptions that can make adults hesitant to open their hearts and homes to children who are in pain and need a little extra love, he said.