By India McCarty
Actress Jen Lilley recently opened up about why she decided to publish her latest book, Called To Foster.
“I have a new book coming out in less than a month, and it’s about foster care,” she said in an Instagram video earlier this week.
Related: Why Actress Jen Lilley Wanted to #GetTooAttached to her Foster Children
In the post’s caption, Lilley wrote, “I’ve actually been putting this off for a while…This book has been on my heart for years — and honestly, I wasn’t even going to write it. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized why I needed to.”
“Because I remember what it felt like to wonder if I was supposed to step into foster care…and have absolutely no idea where to start. Or how it worked. Or if I could even do it. And I know I’m not the only one who’s felt that. So this book is for you,” she continued.
Lilley added, “If you’ve ever thought about fostering…or even just getting involved in some way…or if you’ve just wanted to understand the system better — this is a place to start.”
A synopsis of the book calls it a “heartfelt, honest, and hope-filled guide to the journey of foster care,” saying Called To Foster gives you “a real-world look at what it means to open your heart and home to a child in need.”
“Packed with practical advice, candid stories, and soul-strengthening encouragement, it’s a must-read for anyone exploring foster care, as well as a powerful resource for the agencies and professionals supporting them,” the synopsis continues. “Whether you’re wondering if fostering is right for you or you’re already in the thick of it, this guide will help you love well — and never feel alone.”
Lilley is an outspoken advocate for the foster care system, as well as improving the system across America.
“Foster care is so complicated, every state has a different policy and within the state every county has a different policy and within the county every agency has a different policy,” Lilley told ABC News. “[We also need] states to communicate with each other.”
She also urged people to do whatever they can to help, even if they can’t be foster parents — volunteering, donating items or becoming a licensed babysitter.
“Everybody can do something,” the actress said. “I believe as a society, that these are our children, these are America’s children, and we have responsibility as a community to care for them.”
Lilley’s new book is a perfect starting point for families who are thinking about taking that next step and entering the foster care system.
Read Next: Jen Lilley Says Adoption Taught Her ‘God Loves Us the Same’
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