When Jamie told Tyler early in their relationship that she wanted to foster children someday, she meant it. “If he didn’t want that, it wasn’t even an option,” she said. Years later, the couple has fostered more than 20 children—short-term, long-term, and everything in between—and their journey together as foster parents has been filled with challenges and joy. (Follow this link to view a video version of their story.)

They are a family that thrives outdoors—camping, biking, road-tripping, and cramming as many as six kids into their camper at a time. At home, they’re raising three children of their own, with the oldest away at college. They foster with open arms, welcoming kids into both their routines and their hearts.

At first, Tyler thought their path of fostering would lead to adoption. But they quickly discovered a deeper calling: reunifying foster kids with their biological parents. 

“We quickly learned our priority is to get kids back to bio parents,” he said. That shift wasn’t instant for Tyler. It took time, and it took witnessing the process firsthand. “It was well into our second placement before I bought in,” he said. “It took time to adapt to that and change my mind about how I see everything.”

The emotional toll is real. “There have been times Jamie has said, ‘I’m done,’” Tyler admitted. “And I’m like, ‘Oh no.’” 

But in those moments, they lean on each other. 

“It’s not just about dragging each other through—it’s helping to lift each other back up,” Tyler said. That partnership, they say, is essential. So is communication. Before taking any placement, they talk it through. “If one of us second guesses it, we don’t take it,” Tyler said.

Even the joy comes with cost. Watching children reunite with their families is bittersweet. 

“Sometimes they get more care than our own kids,” Tyler said with a hint of humor and honesty. “But when it’s good, it’s rewarding.” 

They’ve cried when children leave, even those who stayed just a few days. But they treat every child the same— “whether they’re with me for a day, a week, or a year,” Jamie said. “I still love on them just like they’re my own.”

One of their most transformative experiences was their first placement, when they still thought they were fostering to adopt. As they got to know the parents—a couple battling substance abuse—their perspective shifted. 

“Watching them change, physically and emotionally, was humbling,” Jamie said. “To be the one raising their children while they worked so hard—that was a privilege.”

Tyler found meaning in watching their own children learn from these experiences, too. 

“It’s good to see how our kids welcome them and grow from it,” he said. And their own family has grown in empathy and awareness. 

It’s not always easy. Some losses leave them needing time to reset, even months. But they take that space when needed. “You’ve got to take your self-care into consideration,” Tyler said. And when they’re ready, they open their home again.

To anyone considering fostering, their message is clear: do it. Try respite. Try a short-term placement. Just try. “Whether it’s short or long term, we keep our same path,” Tyler said. “We treat them just like we do our own kids.”

Because for Jamie and Tyler, being a foster parent isn’t about being a savior. It’s about being steady. Being kind. Being there. And maybe getting to see a family heal—and knowing you were part of making that possible.

Idaho needs foster parents

If you’ve ever considered fostering, know that your willingness to offer a home—even for one child for one season—can change a child’s life forever. For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit the Department of Health and Welfare’s foster care page. You could be the difference that turns a story of struggle into one of hope and belonging.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.