More Foster Families Needed Due to COVID-19

Texas Anticipates More Foster Families Needed After COVID-19 - Kids First, Inc. - Dallas and Fort Worth, TX

Every step of the foster system is being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with many agencies experiencing a shortage of placement options. Due to the pandemic, it is expected that the number of neglected and abused children will increase. Anticipating this, many foster agencies are asking for more families to become licensed as foster parents.

Children Have No Escape from Their Abusers at Home

Children who suffer abuse have no escape. Families are spending more time with each other, and for some children that isn't good news. Calls reporting violence against children have reportedly been down in the past few months. However, that could be due to the lack of visibility of physical abuse. Children experiencing abuse are unable to get outside help, because teachers, school employees, and other authorized reporters are not able to see them.

Due to COVID-19 Training is Being Re-Organized

As a result of social distancing, licensing programs have been moved online by many agencies, including Kids First. You can check our Events calendar for upcoming trainings, and for the Orientation sessions that start the process for new potential foster parents. It is hoped that foster parents will continue to be prepared for the real world with these virtual courses. The needs within the foster care system are being intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas organizations like Kids First are rushing to prepare homes and new foster parents in anticipation of what is to come. Home visits before placements are still essential because the number one priority is the safety of children in care. Finally, during this pandemic, the reality is that abuse and neglect still continue. There is an ongoing need for loving foster families and foster parents. For those of you who are interested in helping kids in care, especially during COVID-19, contact us at Kids First.