A Look at Foster Care Through the Lens of a Former Foster Youth: Brianna’s Journey

Brianna Groah and her former case manager Kinsey Howell share the raw reality of foster care from the perspective of a child who lived through it. With honesty and vulnerability, they reveal what makes the difference between mere survival and genuine healing in the system.• Life before foster care included living in tents in the Florida woods after fleeing CPS in West Virginia• The trauma of removal and placement in eight different foster homes over five years• Why Bri intentionally sabotaged relationships with foster families as a loyalty test• The critical moment when Brianna realized she could love her adoptive family without betraying her biological mother• How case manager Kinsey became the one constant in Bri's life by simply showing up consistently• The importance of giving foster children space rather than forcing immediate connection• Why open adoption and sibling relationships remain complicated but vital• How Bri's adoptive moms created safety through understanding rather than punishmentIf you're a foster or adoptive parent, remember that giving your child space to process emotions in their own way is often the most healing gift you can offer. The path to attachment isn't forced—it's earned through consistent presence and understanding.We know that foster care and adoption present unique challenges for your marriage, so we created this Same Page Checklist as a conversation starter for you and your spouse. You can download it for free on our website at https://www.havenretreatsinc.org/couples-free-resources-1. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram:Haven Retreats- https://www.instagram.com/haven.retreats/?hl=enBehind the Curtain Podcast- https://www.instagram.com/behind.the.curtain_pod/