Today, everyone is talking about issues like gun control, health care and economic security. While those are important, there is a topic many don’t even realize affects them.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are currently more than 400,000 children living within the American foster care system. That number is staggering, and their education, financial status and job outlook is going to affect all of us—regardless of whether or not we have any involvement with the foster care system.
This article at Relevant Magazine talks more about the statistics and future reality. Read more at here.
The numbers in our area are rising at an alarming rate. In Palm Beach County alone, there are more than 1,000 children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Many children are being sent to other counties because there simply are not enough licensed foster families here willing to care for these hurting children.
This is a recent news story that aired locally. The story states that the number of children needing a home the past three months have increased 100% since last year.
I hope you don’t feel like I am giving you a sob story or trying to make you feel guilty. That is not my intention! This is just something I never understood until someone opened my eyes to it. I only want to share the facts and raise awareness. Share the need that is so desperately there.
Fostering has changed our lives. It’s not always easy.. in fact it’s heartbreaking in a lot of ways. But, it has also blessed us in more ways than we can count. It has made us feel alive. It has grown our faith. And like I mentioned in this post… I would rather feel… even if sometimes the feelings hurt… than not.
One of the people that educated and mentored us while we were taking steps towards becoming foster parents was Jenni from Place of Hope.
I thought it would be best to have you hear from her… so enjoy this little Q&A.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I have been a foster mom for about ten years. I am married, have three bio kids (age 7, 4, 1). I work part time for Place of Hope. I have a Master’s degree in Human Services. My husband and I were houseparents at Place of Hope for a long time and cared for six teenage boys at a time. We have had a total of twenty seven foster children come through our doors. In the past year we have cared for two different toddlers in our home(one for 8 months and one for three months) and reunified both of them back to their parents.
What inspired you to become involved in fostering?
My love for God and His command to care for the least of these is what compelled me to invest my time, energy and life into children in foster care. I also work training, licensing and supporting other foster parents through Place of Hope. I am passionate about doing everything I can to make a difference for these children who have suffered so much. The need is so intense right now that we literally do not have enough beds in foster homes for children to sleep tonight. The shelters are even full and we have had to send many kids out of the county to other shelters because of the lack of space to put them. We had seven precious children come into foster care yesterday.
What was one of your most memorable experiences as a foster mom?
What are some things you think most people don’t know about fostering?
What’s the best thing about being a foster mom?
How can someone get involved?
allthingsdear.com 
I am moved in numerous ways just by reading this article about my cousin Jenni and her family. I have been praying about this since I got married and personally know a baby that needs to be adopted. Praying for God to touch this area in my life and can’t wait to see where he leads me! Starting to research this here in Salem, Ohio. Thank you for sharing this! What a blessing it was to me!!! Love you guys!
Jordan
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it
but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got
some suggestions for your blog you might be interested
in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.