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Bringing The Gospel To The Foster And Adoption Community.

Chaplain Ted and Angie:

Ted and Angie are seasoned pastors, having dedicated 25 years to pastoral ministry, including a successful 15-year tenure as lead pastors at First Assembly of God in Palatka, Florida. In March 2019, their appointment to US Missions as Chaplains to the Foster and Adoption Community marked the beginning of a new chapter in their extensive ministry. Ted is an essential member of the executive team of the AG Foster Care Network, and also contributes his expertise to the PenFL Foster Care Network. With their wealth of experience and training, Ted and Angie specialize in helping local churches develop personalized foster and adoption programs, aimed at providing stability and improved wellbeing of children in foster care. Since their appointment, Ted and Angie have been instrumental in launching over 60 foster care ministries across churches, witnessed over 6,000 opportunities to serve children and facilitated over 2,700 hours of training for foster/adoption families, church volunteers, and state employees. Some of their tools for deployment of church based foster care ministries include Careportal (a platform to bridge the gap between child welfare, local churches, and vulnerable children) and Promise 686 (a church based program to help families foster stronger and longer). During their tenure at their church, five foster families were able to care for 50 children, and 18 adoptions were successfully executed. In a personal capacity, Ted and Angie have welcomed several foster children into their home- numbering in the dozens between 2013 and 2019- and adopted six children whose parents' rights had been terminated or surrendered. As a family of 13, Ted and Angie have committed their lives to ensuring that every child has access to a safe and secure family who cares for them. They view their work as a calling, fueled by their faith and compassion for children in need of healthy families.

27/10/2026

The Impact You May Never See

This month, I had the opportunity to do something that aligned so closely with our mission of preserving families and protecting life. I was invited to speak at the annual Options Gala in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where I shared a story that is deeply personal to our family. Deborah Coots, a special friend of our family, […]

Source: Chaplain Ted Network: Resources: Faith and Family Journal

27/10/2026

Before the world knew Simone Biles as an Olympic champion, she was a little girl who needed safety, stability and a family she could count on. ❤️
In a recent Instagram Story, Biles reflected on her beginnings: “Just a foster kid trying to beat the statistics,” PEOPLE reported.

Simone entered foster care at age 3 while her biological mother struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. She has spoken openly about remembering hunger before entering care—and how grateful she was that she and her siblings could stay together in the same foster home.

At age 6, Simone and her younger sister, Adria, were adopted by Ron and Nellie Biles, whom she calls Mom and Dad. Her two older siblings were adopted by Ron’s sister.

In a 60 Minutes interview, Simone recalled practicing calling Ron and Nellie “Mom” and “Dad” upstairs before trying it out with them.

Around that same age, a field trip introduced her to gymnastics. She began copying the gymnasts, prompting staff to send a letter home. Her parents signed her up, giving her energy and talent somewhere to grow.

Today, she helps other children find support. As an ambassador for Friends of the Children, Simone advocates for long-term professional mentoring and helped bring a chapter to Houston. The organization pairs children with paid mentors who commit to supporting them for 12 years or more.

Why this matters: Her journey highlights the lasting importance of dependable adults, sibling connections and support for relatives raising children. Every child deserves safety, belonging and opportunities to pursue their dreams—whatever those dreams may be.

Sources: PEOPLE, October 26, 2026; CNN Heroes, December 9, 2023; CBS’s 60 Minutes, June 13, 2021; Friends of the Children.

📷 Photo credit: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo and download | CC BY 3.0 Brazil license .

27/10/2026

12 WEEKS OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE — A MAJOR CHANGE FOR WORKING FATHERS AND FAMILIES.

On October 22, 2026, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, signed a new law requiring covered businesses with 15 or more employees to provide eligible parents with 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

The law includes fathers and mothers, with eligible parents receiving 100% of their regular pay, up to $4,200 per week. Employers have 12 months to implement the policy.

Supporters believe the measure will help parents spend more time bonding with their children during those important early months. Some business owners have expressed concerns about the financial burden.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO DAD46:

We often talk about the importance of fathers being present in their children's lives. But for many dads, being present comes with a real challenge: balancing the responsibility of providing financially with the desire to spend meaningful time with their children.

A father's involvement shouldn't begin when his child is old enough to play ball, go fishing, or have a conversation.

It begins at birth.

Those early months offer opportunities for fathers to bond with their babies, support their spouses, and develop the habits of engaged fatherhood.

As we prepare to launch Dad46 in 2027, our mission is to encourage and equip fathers to become more intentional, emotionally available, and connected to their children.

Not every father has access to paid parental leave, and not every employer can easily provide it. But every family can benefit from churches, communities, and employers finding practical ways to support fathers.

Because being a good father isn't just about providing for your children.

It's also about being present in their lives.

Source: 90.5 WESA, October 22, 2026.

26/10/2026

GEORGIA HAS REPORTEDLY LOST 3,000 FOSTER HOMES IN SIX YEARS. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR CHILDREN?

A recent report from WRDW/WAGT raises serious concerns about the challenges facing Georgia's foster-care system.

According to testimony presented during an October 22 legislative hearing, Georgia has lost approximately 3,000 foster homes over the past six years.

Lawmakers also heard reports that:

• The number of children housed in hotels has increased by 53%.

• More than 30 youth facilities have closed statewide.

• One foster-care organization accepted 145 children during the first six months of 2026 but had to decline 1,944 placement referrals.

These figures were reported from legislative testimony and highlight concerns about the availability of appropriate placements.

At the same time, a 30% reduction in certain autism therapy reimbursement rates is raising concerns about whether children with specialized needs will continue receiving essential services.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO CHAPLAIN TED NETWORK?

Because recruiting foster parents is only half the equation.

What happens after a family opens its home?

What happens when a child has experienced significant trauma, struggles with emotional regulation, or requires specialized medical or developmental services?

And what happens when foster parents become exhausted, overwhelmed, or unable to access the support they need?

Every foster home that closes represents a potential loss of stability for children who desperately need it.

At Chaplain Ted Network, we believe foster families need more than initial training and a license.

They need ongoing education, encouragement, practical resources, access to specialized services, and a community willing to walk alongside them.

WE DON'T JUST TRAIN FOSTER PARENTS. WE PASTOR THEM—SO CHILDREN DON'T LOSE ONE MORE HOME.

We cannot measure success in foster care simply by counting how many new families we recruit.

We must also ask how many families we are helping remain healthy, supported, and equipped to continue caring for children.

RECRUITMENT FILLS HOMES.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT HELP KEEP HOMES OPEN.

Supporting the caregiver is part of supporting the child.

Sources: WRDW/WAGT, “Ga. foster care cuts could strain system, lawmakers are warned,” October 22, 2026; Georgia legislative hearing testimony as reported by WRDW/WAGT.

25/10/2026

HALF OF WORKING FATHERS SAY THEY CAN'T GIVE THEIR BEST AT HOME.

A recent analysis from Pew Research Center highlights a challenge many fathers face every day: balancing the responsibility of providing for their families with the desire to be present for their children.

According to survey findings highlighted in the report:

• 50% of full-time working fathers said balancing work and family responsibilities prevented them from giving their best at home.

• 38% said those same responsibilities prevented them from giving their best at work.

These numbers reveal something important. Many fathers aren't necessarily struggling because they don't want to be involved. They're trying to balance competing responsibilities that matter deeply to them.

Providing for a family is important. But so is being emotionally available, building relationships, and creating meaningful memories with our children.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO DAD46:

As we prepare to launch our Dad46 fatherhood initiative in 2027, we recognize that fathers need more than reminders to spend time with their children.

They need practical tools, encouragement, and supportive relationships that help them navigate the pressures of everyday life.

Through Dad46, we want to help fathers become more intentional with the time they have, manage stress, strengthen family relationships, and remain emotionally connected to their children.

Our Present and Faithful courses will address the importance of balancing responsibilities while keeping family relationships a priority.

Sometimes being a present father doesn't mean having more hours in the day. It means making the moments we do have count.

Your children may not remember every overtime shift you worked or every bill you paid.

But the conversations, encouragement, laughter, and time you intentionally shared with them can become memories they carry for a lifetime.

Fathers need support, too.

And when we invest in fathers, we're investing in the next generation.

Source: Pew Research Center, “Women, Work and Caregiving Through the Arc of Family Life,” October 22, 2026. Analysis highlighting March 2026 survey findings on work-family responsibilities among American parents.

23/10/2026

Encouragement for the Journey: My Visit to Focus on the Family

Caregivers need encouragement, practical guidance, and people who will walk beside them through the questions that don’t have easy answers. Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to record a broadcast with Focus on the Family about foster care and adoption. Joining Jim Daly and John Fuller was an opportunity to talk […]

Source: Chaplain Ted Network: Resources: Faith and Family Journal

20/10/2026

TEXAS FOSTER CARE SYSTEM FACES A CRITICAL TEST: WHO WILL HOLD THE SYSTEM ACCOUNTABLE?

After 15 years of federal court oversight, Texas is asking a judge to end federal supervision of its foster-care system.

The lawsuit began in 2011 over serious concerns about the safety of children in state care. Since then, Texas has implemented numerous reforms designed to improve oversight, strengthen investigations, and protect vulnerable children.

State officials argue that significant progress has been made and that Texas should now be allowed to operate without federal court supervision.

However, attorneys representing foster children argue that serious problems remain and that ending oversight too soon could put children at risk.

The court is now considering whether the improvements are sufficient and sustainable.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO CHAPLAIN TED NETWORK?

Because improving foster care requires more than changing policies, reducing caseloads, or increasing the number of available homes.

It requires making sure children are actually safer.

Florida, like Texas, relies heavily on community-based organizations to provide foster-care services. That makes accountability, transparency, and ongoing support especially important.

At Chaplain Ted Network, we believe foster parents need more than initial training and a license.

They need ongoing education, encouragement, practical resources, and a community that walks alongside them.

But caregiver support must also be accompanied by systems that identify problems, respond to safety concerns, and ensure children receive appropriate care.

RECRUITMENT FILLS HOMES. TRAINING AND SUPPORT HELP KEEP HOMES OPEN. ACCOUNTABILITY HELPS KEEP CHILDREN SAFE.

The ultimate measure of success in foster care should never be how many programs we operate or how many reforms we announce.

It should be whether children are experiencing greater safety, stability, healing, and permanency.

EVERY CHILD DESERVES MORE THAN A SYSTEM THAT LOOKS BETTER ON PAPER. THEY DESERVE A SYSTEM THAT WORKS BETTER IN THEIR LIVES.

Source: The Texas Tribune | October 20, 2026

16/10/2026

YOUR TEENAGER STILL NEEDS TO KNOW YOU LOVE THEM.

As children grow older, something interesting happens in the way fathers express affection and encouragement.

A national survey analyzed by Child Trends found that 78% of fathers living with children ages 6–11 reported showing their children love every day or almost every day.

But among fathers living with teenagers ages 12–18, that number was just 58%.

The research also found differences in everyday encouragement, praise, and shared family meals.

These findings don’t necessarily mean fathers love their teenagers any less. But they do suggest that everyday expressions of love and connection may become less frequent as children grow older.

And that’s worth thinking about.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO DAD46:

As we prepare to launch our Dad46 fatherhood initiative in 2027, one of our priorities is helping fathers remain emotionally connected to their children through every stage of life.

When children are young, affection often comes naturally. They want to be held, hugged, and close to Dad.

But adolescence changes things.

Teenagers become more independent. Conversations can become more complicated. Sometimes they pull away, and fathers may assume they no longer need the same attention.

But independence doesn’t eliminate the need for love, affirmation, encouragement, and connection.

Through our Present and Connected courses, Dad46 will help fathers build intentional relationships with their children, including during the challenging teenage years.

Here’s a simple challenge for fathers today:

Tell your teenager you love them. Encourage them. Notice something they’re doing well. Make time to listen without immediately trying to fix everything.

Your teenager may not ask for a hug as often as they once did.

But that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped needing your love.

Because being a present father isn’t just about being there when they’re little. It’s about staying connected as they grow.

Source: Child Trends, June 18, 2026. National survey analysis of how fathers spend time with their children, based on responses from 417 fathers living with children ages 6–18.

14/10/2026

ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO HELP FATHERS STAY ALIVE AND PRESENT?

We often talk about the importance of children growing up with involved fathers. But new attention to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics raises another important question: Are we doing enough to support the health and well-being of fathers themselves?

Researchers examined records associated with 130,267 births in Georgia and identified 796 fathers who died during the first five years of their children’s lives.

Approximately 60% of those deaths involved potentially preventable causes, including accidents, homicide, su***de, and drug overdoses.

These findings are from one state, not a national estimate. But they highlight an important reality: When a father dies, his children and family can experience a loss that changes their lives forever.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO DAD46:

As we prepare to launch our Dad46 fatherhood initiative in 2027, we believe helping fathers become more engaged is only part of the mission.

We must also help fathers become healthier, emotionally stronger, better connected, and more willing to seek support when life becomes overwhelming.

Through Dad46, we want to equip fathers with practical parenting skills, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and supportive connections with other men.

Our Present and Calm courses will help fathers recognize that being there for their children also means taking care of themselves.

Fatherhood is not just about showing up today. It’s about building the support and stability needed to keep showing up tomorrow.

Every child deserves a father who is present. And every father deserves support that helps him stay present.

Source: JAMA Pediatrics, May 4, 2026. Research on paternal mortality during early childhood in Georgia.

12/10/2026

Grateful for the Shepherds Who Have Walked Beside Us

Standing beside Pastor Dave and Tammy Spedden at their annual pastor appreciation celebration, I felt grateful for what they mean to our family. This photo captures a special occasion, but the gratitude behind it comes from years of love, encouragement, and support. For 23 years, Pastor Dave and Tammy have faithfully pastored Living Hope Family […]

Source: Chaplain Ted Stackpole Faith and Family Journal

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