May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the needs of over 400,000 American children in foster care and to recognize those who make a difference in their lives.
“National Foster Care Month is a time to salute the compassionate Iowans who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers and volunteers,” said Kelli Malone, project director for Iowa KidsNet. “Thanks to these unsung heroes, many children and teens are safely reunited with their parents, cared for by relatives or adopted into loving families. Every young person deserves a caring connection to a supportive adult, and Iowa has an ongoing need for more people to make a positive difference for children in foster care. This month we hope to especially raise awareness of the need for teen homes.”
More foster homes are especially needed for teenagers, sibling groups and children with special needs or behaviors. There is also a need for more African American, Latino and Native American families to become foster or adoptive parents.
In all Iowa counties, including Jasper County, Iowa KidsNet provides a structured network of support for foster families and post-adoption support for families who have adopted from foster care and have a subsidized adoption.
Iowa KidsNet is the single statewide contact for those interested in becoming foster or foster adoptive parents. For more information, visit www.iowakidsnet.com, or call 1-800-243-0756.