The Valley Needs Foster and Adoptive Parents Urgently

Foster Care and Adoption in the Valley Needs Your Help

Roanoke and Surrounding Counties Need Help Locating Foster Families Can You Help? 

Foster care and adoption agencies in the Valley need assistance. There is a shortage of qualified parents who can provide local children with a safe home. Additionally, these parents must be able to provide nurturing and love.

Over the last two years, the local Department of Social Services (DSS) and local foster care agencies have noted a rise in kids in group homes/foster homes. With many kids not having adequate birth parents, the need for foster and adoptive homes is more vital than ever.

Substance abuse is on the rise in our community. This has led to an increase in the need for foster parents. These parents are needed to help children affected by the abuse and neglect connected to substance abuse.

Last year, Roanoke ranked second for the most kids in care. Richmond City was number one, with only 30 more kids in care at 205. There were hundreds more kids in care in the adjoining communities.

The opioid and heroin epidemic is sweeping Virginia and is hurting more children and families every day. Children entering foster care are requiring more help from the community. Addiction-related issues are currently the second reason youth come into adoption and foster care.

Home studies show the Valley is facing a serious epidemic. As a result, there has been a decrease in families becoming foster parents or adopting a child from foster care. The Valley's epidemic is creating a significant challenge causing children in foster care to struggle.

They are trying to overcome the trauma they have experienced. Additionally, they are striving to believe in adults again and to feel safe. This is where foster families and adoptive families come into the picture.

With your faith and strength, you can bring a lot to a child's life. Research shows that deciding to become a foster parent can take a long time. You must make sure you feel you're the right person for this amazing journey of helping a child in foster care.  

One frequently asked question is, what makes a fabulous foster or adoptive parent?

You have demonstrated your aptitude for caring for children in need by reading this blog. Therefore, you are the perfect person for the job. If you need assistance, use the list below as a guide to background check yourself and make sure you are ready. Ask yourself how many of the items listed reflect your core values and those of your birth family.

• I want to give back to my community with my life experience to guide me
• I don't have children, or my home is missing the sounds of children's laughter
• I have room in my heart to help some more children and give them a place to call home 
• I know that my community is looking for a family that can look after sibling groups and older kids. 
• The life experience I have, I desire to share that knowledge.
• I believe that the Bible teaches us we need to look after the vulnerable children in our world.

A few life quotes to reflect on as I close. 

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."  

- Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why."  

- Mark Twain

I will leave my last word with Mother Teresa of Kolkata:

"Do you want to do something beautiful for God? There is a person who needs you. this is your chance." 

Children in need of love and family can be found all over the world. However, you don't need to travel far to find them. The valley has plenty available. You can be that person. 

Thank you

Please help a child today and push this button