Can You Help a Teen?

Children in foster care need the love of a parent, as well as the support of the community. There are currently many older children and teenagers in the foster care system who do not have the benefits that living in a foster home offers. These children are currently living in group homes or institutional settings. These settings cannot provide the feelings of love, security, and stability that a family environment can provide. One of our biggest needs and goals is to find families willing to welcome these children in to their homes.

As a foster parent, you will join in with a team including case workers, family members, and other community supports. Whether it be as a forever home, or as a resource to call or visit in times of need, you can make a difference in the life of a child.

Opening your home up to teens can be an intimidating prospect. We know that many teens are just as scared of taking on a new family situation. It’s possible they have been navigating the foster care system for a while. In that time, they may have been in and out of foster care placements, as well as the homes of their birth family numerous times. This can make it difficult for them to accept a parental figure in their life. It doesn’t have to be that scary. You may have the opportunity to meet with a teen, giving both you, and the teen, a chance to determine if it is a good fit prior to placement.

Ultimately, we strive to remove the unknowns from the foster care experience for prospective parents and teens. Like any other child, they need affection, love, patience, and stability to mature into successful adults.