Dysfunction Junction: When Faith Turns Foster Chaos Into a Forever Family

Shawn Rapier and his wife, Vanessa, never planned to adopt but changed their minds when two siblings needed a home. After Shawn asked God a crucial question, they began a journey that led to adopting six children through foster care and having two biological kids. The answer launched a journey that brought eight children (six through foster care adoption and two biological) into what they affectionately named Dysfunction Junction.

In this episode of Eternal Family Adoptions, host Donna Pope sits down with comedian and adoptive father Shawn Rapier to explore the unfiltered reality of foster care adoption.

Different Children Different Confirmations

Each adoption came with its own spiritual guidance. For their first children, Shawn felt he needed clarity from God, while later adoptions required different confirmations, including a direct message at church for their teenage daughter, Portia. Their experiences included challenges such as hospital stays, behavioral issues, and even the loss of JC’s parents during the adoption process.

Life After Dysfunction Junction

All eight Rapier children, now ages 22 to 34, live across the country but stay connected. Past family crises—police visits, Disney World jail, and more—didn’t destroy their family but helped shape them. Shawn’s advice for adoptive parents is to give themselves grace, emphasizing that spiritual connection matters most and that God is the best parent of all. Faith-based support resources are available at eternalfamilyadoptions.org.

Discover faith-based foster care adoption support at eternalfamilyadoptions.org.

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