May is National Foster Care Month
Every year in the United States thousands of children, after experiencing abuse, abandonment or neglect, enter foster care, also known as the juvenile dependency system. Young people in foster care are considered “dependents” of the court, hence the term “juvenile dependency.” While a child is in foster care the main purpose of the court and professionals is to ensure the child’s safety, that their needs are met and to also decide on the best plan for a stable life.
Children do best in homes, not institutions
May is National Foster Care Month - Kids First, Inc.
Research has shown that children do so much better in loving homes than in institutions. This is the reason the United States no longer has orphanages. They were replaced by foster care in the 1980’s and became funded by the government.
Stable families are needed by children
There are more than 420,000 children in the United States foster system waiting for a stable family. These children were all removed from their homes for various reasons. The Department of Family and Protective Services reported that more than half of the children were removed from their homes due to neglect. Additionally, about a third were removed due to parental drug use.
Providing a safe home is the main purpose of foster care
The goal of foster care is to place children who have been removed from unsafe or unhealthy environments, in a safe, loving family environment while their biological family works toward reunification or until a permanent plan is made.
Are you prepared to help children in care?
Every child is longing for someone to care, someone to understand, someone to love them. You can be that someone. Now is the time to raise your hand, step forward and meet the needs of a vulnerable child.Everyone can be a part of meeting the urgent needs of these children. Whether you become a foster parent, support families by giving them some time out, or contribute financially.
Support local youth in foster care today!
If you would like more information on how you can help the vulnerable children, contact us at Kids First. We’d love to meet you and tell you all about the children and families we work with in the Dallas & Fort Worth, TX area. We can help you help them.