Being a foster parent is no easy task, especially when dealing with teens who have a history of running away. One couple found themselves in a moral dilemma when they decided to force their 14-year-old foster daughter, H, to attend church with them to prevent her from running away. While they believe they’re doing what’s best for her safety, others are questioning whether this is the right approach. Let’s dive into this emotionally charged story and see if we can make sense of it all.
The Foster Family and Church Outings ⛪

A New Addition: H

Flight Risk: H’s First Runaway Attempt ♀️

A Second Chance: H Runs Away Again

The Church Solution: A Compromise?

Caseworker’s Approval ✅

H’s Unhappiness

H’s Struggles

A Friend’s Criticism ️

Heated Argument

Accusations of Bad Parenting

Edit: Common Questions

H’s Running Motivation ♀️

Family Routine and Caseworker’s Opinion

Church Attendance: A Solution or a Problem?
This foster family’s dilemma has sparked a heated debate: is forcing their flight-risk foster daughter to attend church with them a necessary safety measure or an infringement on her personal beliefs? While the caseworker approves of the decision, a friend criticizes the family for not respecting H’s wishes. As H continues to struggle with her emotions and past behavior, the family hopes to find a way to help her feel safe and loved. But is this church solution truly the best answer, or are there other ways to support H? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
Forced to church for safety reasons, not conversion. NTA.

NTA for taking foster daughter to church, prioritizing her safety

Foster parent defends decision to take daughter to church

NTA. Safety first! Fair punishment, but compromise with music.
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Forced church attendance for foster daughter’s safety – NTA.

Forced church attendance for foster daughter sparks debate. NTA or not?

NTA, but is forcing church attendance really the solution?

Foster daughter forced to church for safety, not religion.

Foster parent defends decision to take foster daughter to church

Foster parent receives support for punishment and trust-building efforts

Foster mom and commenter bond over the challenges of fostering addicts

Foster parent shows trust and care for foster daughter’s safety
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NTA. Foster daughter in therapy, needs protection. Trust issues addressed.

Loving care for a child in need

Stand your ground! NTA for enforcing boundaries with foster daughter

Foster parent defends decision to take foster daughter to church ❤️

Bringing foster daughter to church for safety concerns. NTA.

Prioritize the foster child’s needs over attending church

Foster parent defends decision to take daughter to church

Pandemic concerns lead to ESH judgement with no clear winner

NTA foster parent gives options, respects boundaries, and prioritizes safety.

Empathizing with struggles of IVF and belittling comments.

Drop the crappy friend, keep being a great foster parent!
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Reasonable justification for forced church attendance. NTA

Compromise may be the key to this NAH situation

Sacrificing for your child’s needs

Forcing foster kids to church in a pandemic? YTA. Try family time at home instead

Suggests alternate solution for church visit with foster daughter

Friend’s inability to understand situation puts burden on OP.

Legal concerns raised about forcing foster children to attend church.

Atheist approves! NTA, foster daughter blew her chances.

Forcing a troubled teenager to church is uncomfortable and inappropriate

NTA for forcing church attendance to keep an eye on her

Teenager’s emotional distress ignored by caregiver, YTA.
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Parental concern or overbearing? NTA for ensuring safety.
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Social worker suggests building trust with foster daughter instead of taking her to church

Solving religious conflicts in blended families with a compromise.

Foster parent receives YTA judgement for forcing church attendance.

Child welfare worker defends forcing foster daughter to attend church.

Misleading title causes confusion and frustration among commenters

Foster parent criticized for taking daughter to church during pandemic
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Foster parent criticized for not adjusting routine to support child.

A potential YTA becomes a NAH with a good solution

Keeping promises and safety first

Supportive comment receives no replies, but still appreciated

NTA comment defends decision to take foster daughter to church.

Keeping her safe or crossing boundaries? A debate on care.

Respectful approach to religion, but is it enough?

Setting boundaries for a foster child’s safety and growth

Keeping a watchful eye or overstepping boundaries?

Supportive comment applauds foster parent’s selfless service

Prove her wrong; keep doing what you’re doing.

Alternate church attendance options suggested with practical advice

NTA for taking foster daughter to church, but consider her comfort

Atheist approves: Foster daughter not being indoctrinated, NTA

Is the foster parent at fault for the daughter’s running away?

Surprising NTA comment on forcing church attendance for foster daughter.

Protective foster parent tries to include daughter without forcing religion

Respectful guardianship or overstepping boundaries?

Supervised church visit for foster daughter deemed NTA by case worker

Friend’s bad advice leads to church drama. NTA stands firm.
