We often talk about the foster care system because it is one of the key areas in which churches and Christians can partner with the state to impact a societal problem. In our discussion with Terry Stigdon, the Director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, she encouraged the church to “go upstream” with DCS to keep kids out of the foster care system. Also, the bi-partisan, 2018 federal law titled The Families First Prevention Services Act focused heavily on prevention as a critical strategy for impacting the foster care crisis.

Given these development, what is the best way for churches and individual Christians to support families in crisis and keep kids out of foster care? That is the topic of this conversation with Maridel Sandberg, the President and Executive Director of Together for Good, a ministry based in Minnesota with offices in Iowa and a model we can all learn from.

Maridel helped start the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) and has extensive ministry in the foster care space. She is the mother of 8 children, 3 birthed to her and 5 came to her through the miracle of adoption. She explains: “4 Courageous women chose life and made an adoption plan for their babies. I am the recipient of that great love which also made us a transracial family. It has drastically changed my life. So I ask: what about the struggling moms out there who chose to parent, yet find themselves overwhelmed with no love and support in their time of crisis – homeless, addictions or unemployment? Together for Good is the culmination of my life’s work as we seek to create pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable children and their families in Christ centered ministry to alleviate social isolation for struggling families. This helps families thrive and keeps kids safe. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that we have the privilege of working together for the good of children, the good of families and the good of our communities.”

In this interview, we discussed:

- Her background and calling to support families in crisis.
- The continuum of care road (the nuts and bolts of the foster care system) and why prevention is key.
- How TFG serves families in crisis and how you and your church can get involved in a similar way.
- Great stories about the need for such a ministry. For example, I had never stopped to consider the following scenario: “What does a single mom do if she needs a medical procedure or is giving birth to an additional child is she has no one she trusts to watch her kids?”
- How TFG builds and maintains relationships with government officials.
- Why TFG is dedicated to relationship building, mobilizing the church with professional oversight and gospel transformation.
- How your church can start or become involved in TFG or a similar ministry.

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This video is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is being provided to church and ministry leaders with the understanding that The Good Citizen Project is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the specific application of laws to particular facts requires the advice of an attorney.

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