Charleston Faces Urgent Need for Foster Parents
Charleston, S.C. – While it’s fantastic news that the number of children in the foster system has dropped in South Carolina, the reality is a bit more complicated. The state is in dire need of loving foster homes as the number of willing caretakers is also on the decline. As of now, Charleston County ranks third in the state for the number of children in foster care, with 223 little ones currently in need of warmth and stability. This is only behind Richland County and Greenville County, which have 498 and 426 children in foster care, respectively.
According to the Department of Social Services, this decrease in the number of children in the system is a cherry on the cake, but it doesn’t solve the central problem: finding them loving homes. Sadly, the number of regular foster homes has also seen a decline, which means more children are left waiting longer than ever.
Insight from a Foster Care Expert
Vanessa Smalls, a treatment coordinator at the National Youth Advocate Program, highlighted the emotional turmoil these children go through. When they enter the system, they often do not want to leave their families. Imagine this: they end up waiting in an office for hours, hoping for someone to take them in. She explained, “I’m not going to say that the kids are being told no, no, no, like everybody’s saying no, but it’s just the fact that sometimes placements can take just that long.”
Small added that when a “yes” does come, it tends to be temporary, adding to the uncertainty and upheaval these kids face. “The children of S.C. need foster parents urgently and cannot do it without more people willing to open up their homes and their hearts,” she stressed.
One Family’s Journey into Fostering
It’s not all doom and gloom, however! More families are stepping forward to make a difference. Take Michelle Hannum and her husband, for instance. They decided to foster for the first time about a year ago, and for almost eight months now, they’ve been caring for a foster child. “There’s definitely challenges, but also some really, really awesome times,” she shared with a warm smile. “Every day the love and bond that you are forming is really special.”
Since taking on this life-changing role, Hannum said many acquaintances have expressed interest in fostering but are hesitant to commit. “I would definitely recommend it,” she encourages others. “If there is space, and I’m not talking like physical space, yes, you need the physical space for a child, but just space in your heart where you have that extra love to give.”
It’s a wonderful sentiment; she added, “Love could be so multidimensional and multi-faceted, but you really don’t know this kind of love until you’ve fostered a child and are there for their needs.”
Support and Resources Available for Foster Families
To tackle the challenges faced by foster parents, *the National Youth Advocate Program* is committed to providing the necessary resources and training. They ensure that families receive the support they need, which can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.
“We’ll make sure that foster parents and our youth are tapped into the resources that are offered by the state that they may not know about,” Smalls emphasized. Meanwhile, Hannum pointed out the power of community: “It really is like a village because there is a lot of support for you.” She reassured those considering fostering, “Even within the foster care community, there’s so many people that come out through the woodwork and are there for you.”
Make a Difference Today
The call for more ♥️ foster parents is louder than ever. If you’re considering making a difference in a child’s life, now is the perfect time to explore fostering. There are countless resources and supportive individuals ready to guide you through the journey of opening your heart and home to a child in need.
