Q&A with Mr. Morton: Single Foster Parent of 10 Years
Get to know Middle Tennessee foster parent of the year, Joseph Morton. He is a single father who has been a foster parent with Youth Villages for 10 years. In that time, he’s opened his home to 85 teen boys. Our staff describes him as one of the most reliable homes we work with, regularly taking in teenagers who have exhausted all other options for placement. He is kind, caring and provides the right balance of structure and autonomy these young people need to thrive.
Why did you start fostering?
When my biological son and daughter moved out, I was left with a big house and a lot of space. My sister was a foster parent, and she asked me if I had considered fostering. I thought – I’ve got the house, the space, and I like working with people. So, I gave it a try, and that was 10 years ago now!
Why do you keep fostering?
I love being a foster parent. I decided to keep fostering because I see growth in the young men, and I see change. They go off to build great lives for themselves, and I like being a positive male figure in their lives who hopefully plays a role in their success.
Do you keep in touch with young men?
They keep up with me most of the time. They call me when they have a life update or something they’re proud to share. One just left my home to go to auto school; another joined the military – I’m hoping to go to his boot camp graduation. One of the young men is a professional roofer, and he came back to put a new roof on my home for free!
Why teen boys?
Different ages have different needs, and I know people seem to be intimidated by teenagers… but their needs work better with what I have to offer. Teenagers are more independent. They have their own minds. I can help them get ready for the next transition of life – finding a job, understanding healthy relationships and building character. What I learned with teenagers is that you’ve got to get in the boat with them and paddle with them. You can’t just tell them what to do. So, I get in the trenches with them, and we work through whatever they’re going through.
And I like teaching. As we build trust, they’re receptive to my direction. I get to teach them how to drive. I’ve got two [young men] driving right now, and they’re doing really well.
Tell me more about your adopted son.
He’s originally from Haiti, where he lost his family to the earthquake and got to the states through a church. He came into my home at 16. I never had plans to adopt, but when I realized no one else would, I thought, “He doesn’t have any other family, what about me?”
What meal that you cook is the boys’ favorite?
My specialty with the boys is my taco salad. They really love it!
What’s the best movie for movie night?
With my first foster son, we went to RedBox, and I picked out a movie, which he said was a “girly movie.” I had never heard that before!
So now, I let them pick the movie, and the three boys rotate. They love action movies.
Best game for game night?
The boys love competition. Sometimes, it’s who can stay up the longest, or who can handle the spiciest food. Things like that.
Best outing?
They love go-kart riding! Of course, they make it into a competition. And they like going to the gym to play basketball and be active.
Anything else to add about fostering?
We need more men who will step up to the plate and be a foster parent and good example to these young men. A lot of them don’t have a good father figure in their life. And just because you’re single doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You can still help these young boys grow to be strong, successful men.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, take the next step and attend one of our virtual info sessions!
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