The Carter Effect - Fostering Hope in Young Men

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Many young men and adult men who have come through Georgia’s Foster Care system attribute their success, despite a challenging home life, to the Carter Effect.

 

 
 
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The Carter Effect is an expression the youth who have lived in the foster home of Chevette Carter use to describe the positive impact Carter has had on their lives. Ms. Carter, a licensed foster parent with Lutheran Services of Georgia, opens her home to teenage males who have been placed in foster care through the Division of Family and Children Services. 

“I just want to see them be productive, but someone has to teach them, that’s why I do it,” said Carter.

Carter has been fostering for more than 16 years and during this time has touched the lives of more than 12 young men. She states that many of her foster children  come to her  from group homes, which lack the family-like setting that will allow these teens to thrive. Carter provides them with a normal home, where they can attend school with their peers, play sports, and prepare for the real world. 

Carter expressed that she also loves to be a support for the parents. She recollected a time when a birth mother gave her a hug and thanked her.

“That is why I do this, building people up is always a good thing,” reflects Carter.

Carter believes all children should have the right to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment. She explains the relationship she has with Lutheran Services of Georgia allows her to provide these youth with an opportunity to receive a fair chance at life.  

“There are approximately 9,000 children in foster care in the State of Georgia, and we at LSG want to spread the Carter Effect,” stated Akiva Ford, Foster Care Recruiter, Lutheran Services of Georgia. “We want to provide our children with homes like Ms. Carter’s.  A place where they can grow and thrive and have a connection even when they exit from out of the system. Lutheran Services of Georgia is truly indebted to Ms. Carter and all of our foster homes.”

If you would like to become a foster parent and provide Hope, Healing, and Strength to a child in need, visit our website and fill out a foster care inquiry form.