The AFCARS (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System) Report, released by the U.S. Children's Bureau, shows that the number of children in foster has continued to rise.
There are all kinds of facts that you learn about Foster Care when you really immerse yourself. Things such as:
But you learn some great things, too. According to the FY2016 foster care statistics report, the primary reason for system discharge was family reunification (51%) with the second being adoption (23%). Folks, these are not meant to be scary numbers but they are meant to be sobering. There is an epidemic among us and children are following the the cracks of our churches and our hearts. The fact that not everyone is called to be an adoptive parent and bigger yet not everyone is equipped to be a foster home is not lost on me, but you have gifts—you are called for something. Maybe you are great at administrative tasks and you can help an agency or a case worker with organization. Perhaps you are a "rally the troops" kinds of person and would make an outstanding advocate. Are you an intercessor? Can you come alongside struggling case workers, exhausted families, and traumatized kiddos to fill in the gaps where they can't? Are you willing to be certified for respite care to help a foster mama out when she can't get to the daycare on time or when she's feeling like she's a "hot mess" and is holding it together with strong coffee and a prayer? I urge you to find your place. Where do you fit in? Now, during National Adoption Month, take a few quiet moments and evaluate your strengths and how you can see them play out in a place where every child is just one heart away from a turning point in their lives. xoxo
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AuthorWriting is really my outlet, so you'll mostly see my prose on here. But William might occasionally make a guest appearance. Archives
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