I wrote this song as a dedication to all foster and adoptive parents. Thank you for working hard to restore love in a child or youth. I sincerely appreciate and love mine. I am so fortunate to have had foster parents who never gave up on me...even when I was not adoptable. My foster parents are very special to me, although being the hell-raiser I was, it wasn't always obvious. I do consider them my Mom and Dad. They have earned it. They said they loved me but I continually tested the limits of their unconditional love. No doubt it was tested to the extreme. They had to put up with so much more than the average parents.
I am so grateful for their love and patience. I would not be who I am today without their dedication, love and trusting that they would never give up on me. Trust was a big issue with me, If my own mother and father could throw me away, how could I trust anyone else...but I eventually let down my walls and let their love in. They loved and believed in me. They provided me with a home, family, hope and love. I treated them awful at times and yet, they never changed the locks on the front door. They worked with me even when I had so much baggage and behavioral problems growing up. Simply put, they believed in my greatness and they never gave up on me! Let us strive to give hope to others.
Derek Clark is an inspiring motivational speaker, trainer and the author of the critically acclaimed I Will Never Give Up book series and Never Limit Your Life. Derek's courageous story is a one of resilience and redemption. As a child, Derek experienced abuse, rejection and fear before spending 13 years in the California foster care system. He knows first-hand how to use the power of attitude in coping with adversity and overcoming hardship.
Derek is a popular keynote speaker for child welfare conferences, foster parent conferences, foster youth and is a recognized foster care expert. He has inspired audiences from child welfare services, foster parents, foster youth, adoption services, casa, residential treatment centers, child protective services, law enforcement, teacher conferences, department of education, national institute of corrections, national career development, social workers, federal bureau of prisons, high schools, universities, foster care, children and family services, at risk youth, United States military, veterans, summer camps and leadership conferences throughout the United States and Canada. He delivers a powerful message of hope and unwavering perseverance.
Derek recently delivered the keynote for the National Foster Parent Association conference and the world foster care conference for the International Foster Care Organization where 30 different countries were represented by their child welfare leaders. From foster care to success, Derek delivers powerful keynotes and conducts inspiring workshops.
Reserve Derek Clark now and have him deliver a powerful message of hope, determination and courage to your organization.
You can find out more about Derek Clark's unique and inspiring presentations, books and music at his website www.IWillNeverGiveUp.com
Never Give Up!
Derek Clark
P.S. This song is available on iTunes and everywhere else. Search "I Love My Foster Mom and Dad"
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Why Foster Care Matters.by LeapCinematic994 views
Crosbykid, I am so sorry that your experience has not been good. Please know that MOST foster families are not in it for the money. We were foster parents and believe me I spent way more money than I ever recieved. We adopted 2 children and when the time is right (bigger home) may do so again. I pray that God will show you His love through your experience and you will learn how much He loves you!
isaeagle 5 months ago
these comments are all from foster parents, people that work with the agency. And foster care is nothing like that. Foster Care is not that good. The only way your going to get a good home is if your really lucky. i should know i have been in foster care for like all my life. The only reason people try to help kids like me is cause they are in it for the MONEY. No one ever does it for kindness.
Crosbykid111 6 months ago
oh I like this video.. I work with foster kids and the place I work takes the kids that foster parents will not take, the kids ran from or there were no foster parents to take them...sometimes a kid goes to a great foster home & leaves our 'group home' that is always a good day...I have a few that have called to say how they are doing....makes me smile..
askforasign 8 months ago
Awesome song!
lisarrichards 1 year ago
Having been a foster parent, and being an adoptive parent...I can honestly say I have never given up on a KID...it was the system itself I gave up on. It is a shame that children suffer because CPS as a whole is so incredibly abusive to all those who are involved. I have seen children come out of foster care FAR more damaged than when they went in and much of that is simply due to all the bureaucratic bull sh*t that is the system. REFORM is NEEDED.
GotaBeUSMC 1 year ago
I've been a foster parent for almost 10 years. It is the hardest, meanest, most gut wrenching thing I've ever done. I don't really expect anyone to thank me, at least any more, but Derek, it sure did feel good that you took the time to thank yours. I'm a 40 year old man but still cried like a little baby when I heard this. You are a pretty great guy. I'm sure your parents feel beyond proud of you too!
SkiMedicKC 1 year ago
You never cease to amaze me Derek! --Heather
ilbafriend 1 year ago
This really touched my heart. I've known Derek since he wrote his "Goodnight Soldier" song. Since then, a young lady has come into our life, that we have been working towards adoption. This song is so appropriate for where we're at right now and coming from the child's perspective is even more perfect for our family. Thank you Derek for sharing your talents!
jedward1223 1 year ago
I'm currently in foster care and that song describes me it brought a tear to my eye
datimmyrocks 1 year ago
Very good song, inspirational. I am happy to be adopted, and realize how lucky I am. Thanks for sharing.
rmunday214 1 year ago