08/13/2026
As the Foster Care Ambassador, I rarely get the “good” calls. Most calls come from caregivers who are stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply looking for someone to help them navigate a difficult situation.
Receiving a call about something happening in a West Monroe courtroom felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Several foster parents with upcoming court dates recently received subpoenas from Judge Norris. With little explanation and understandably a little anxiety, they showed up to court.
What they experienced when they arrived was something entirely different than they expected.
Judge Norris welcomed these families into his courtroom and sincerely thanked them for their commitment to children and foster care. He reminded them that their work is seen, that their perspective matters, and that foster caregivers should have a voice in his courtroom and in every courtroom where decisions are being made about the children they care for.
He also gave gift cards to the families as a tangible way to encourage them and help lighten the load just a little.
But perhaps one of the most meaningful moments was when he shared part of the story of Bryan and Chris Donald.
Judge Norris had the honor of overseeing Bryan and Chris’ adoption, one of the final loving acts Chris was able to complete for her family before being called to her Heavenly home. Chris’ passion, light, tenacity, and unwavering faith in Christ left an impact on so many people in our community.
Judge Norris shared a portion of Chris’ video testimony with these foster families as encouragement for those who are still “in the trenches,” loving children through some of the hardest chapters of their lives.
This is the good news we need to share.
Acts of kindness and compassion matter. Leadership matters. And sometimes simply making people feel seen, valued, and heard gives them the encouragement they need to keep going.
It is my prayer that judges near and far will follow this example of compassionate leadership.
Not necessarily with subpoenas and gift cards 😊, but by creating courtrooms where foster caregivers know their voices matter, their sacrifices are recognized, and the important role they play in the lives of children is respected.
Thank you, Judge Norris, for reminding these families that they are seen.
And thank you to every foster caregiver who continues to show up, advocate, love, and serve children — even on the hard days.
Let’s spread the good news, too. ❤️
