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Who Are Foster Parents? Foster parents are special people who see a need
to provide short-term to long-term care for children who are unable to remain
within their own family unit. These special individuals recognize the need
for a safe loving home where children may grow and develop to their full
potential. "Children are likely to live
up to what you believe about them." A foster parent is a committed person that is willing to love unconditionally and endure some heartbreak. Our children come from diverse backgrounds and are often lacking in some social skills. While they are only children, some of the life experiences that they have endured make trust difficult and not easily earned. A foster parent knows that a child's life should be happy and carefree. He or she is willing to do whatever is necessary to provide that child an opportunity to grow and progress in every area of their life.
The foster children are children from your neighborhoods, your churches, and your schools. They range in age from two weeks to eighteen years of age. In Burke County, there are over 100 children in foster care. Many of these children are living in a group care setting because there is an insufficient number of licensed foster homes in Burke County. Costs continue to rise and state and federal governments are struggling to meet the demand. |
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Why
is there such a need for Foster Parents?
Economic conditions, increasing domestic violence, alcohol and drug addiction,
and family decay are just a few of the reasons that the number of children
coming into legal custody continues to grow. Nationwide, there are over
500,000 children on the roles for foster care. 
