Foster Dad Shares Powerful Message for Those Considering Fostering

"Most Americans say, 'well, I won't foster because I'll be so attached and then I'll have to give them up.' Well, it's not about you. The kids, to them it's life and death." —Peter Mutabazi

More than 600,000 children move through the US foster care system annually. Source

Peter Mutabazi, a 50-year-old single foster dad, is on a mission to raise awareness and change perceptions. With 41 foster kids under his wing and 3 adopted children, he wants potential foster parents to know it's not about them, it's about the kids.

Mutabazi speaks from personal experience. At age 10, he ran away from an abusive home in Uganda and lived on the streets. A stranger's kindness transformed his life, and now he's paying it forward.

A Life-Changing Question

While trying to steal from a man at a market, Mutabazi was asked a question that changed his life: "What is your name?" In his book, Now I Am Known, he recounts how this simple act of acknowledgment gave him hope and eventually led to a new life in the US.

Seeing the Best in Kids

Mutabazi's own story helps him connect with the children in his care. He understands their trauma and uses his experience to offer grace and comfort. When a child acts out, he removes himself and doesn't take it personally: "I love you that way. It takes the pressure off them to perform."

Biological Parents Matter

Mutabazi also emphasizes the importance of the child's relationship with their biological parents. 3 in 5 kids are reunited with their parents Source: HHS after foster care, and he works to repair and maintain these relationships, seeing the parents as human beings rather than villains.

The Toughest Part of Single Fatherhood

As a single father, Mutabazi faced judgment and loneliness. He's had the police called on him and been questioned about his worthiness as a parent. Through it all, he remains dedicated to his children and encourages others to foster: "Both parents, one parent, we have an opportunity to change someone's life."

Now I Am Known Foundation

In addition to fostering, Mutabazi runs a foundation that does room makeovers for teens in foster care, giving them a sense of belonging and dignity. He also has a children's book and a parenting book slated for release in 2025.

Follow his journey on Instagram: @fosterdadflipper and through his website: nowiamknown.com.

Foster care is about the kids, not the adults, and Mutabazi is leading by example, changing lives one child at a time.