Thousands of children live in foster homes in Ohio, and Northeast Ohio Adoption Services is asking for people to help support the children and foster parents, even if they can't foster children themselves.
“Becoming a foster parent is not everyone’s calling, but we believe each of us has a calling to get involved in some way,” the agency said in a news release. “You can become a mentor to a current or former foster youth. If you enjoy shopping, you can shop at Amazon Smile and pick Northeast Ohio Adoption Services as your charity of choice.”
You can also send a care package to foster youth or purchase a bicycle for them, the agency said.
“Donate a new bike 24” to 29” in size, as many current and former foster youth do not own a bike,” the news release said. “Do you know any foster families? If so, how about bringing food to them?”
The agency also welcomes financial contributions, which are tax-deductible.
“One of the first lessons we learn as children is that coins add up to dollars,” the release said. “Your spare change can make a difference. You can rest assured that your charitable donation, large or small (because every penny counts), will go to creating life-long connections for the families and children we serve.”
Contributions can be made on the agency website.
In Knox County, the foster care staff “have done a fantastic job of recruiting new homes,” even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew Kurtz, director of the Knox County Department of Job and Family Services, told the Mount Vernon News.
In July 2020, the number of children in Knox County in foster care peaked at 150, Kurtz said.
“We are now back in the 125 range which is where we were pre-pandemic, but even this is higher than the 40 to 50 that we averaged prior to the drug epidemic’s arrival to Knox county in 2014-2015,” he said.
There are currently 20 foster homes in Knox County, up from fewer than 10 homes two years ago, Kurtz said.
“There are multiple rules and requirements that guide the licensing and certification process as outlined within state and federal guidelines,” he said. “While the rules give us a foundation to follow, we are mindful that we need foster caregivers that are structured, patient, flexible, prepared to thoughtfully manage incredibly unpredictable events, and to holistically consider the variety of traumatic episodes that have shaped and will continue to influence the children placed in their homes.”
Foster parents go through background checks, are interviewed, their homes inspected and then go through extensive training before children are assigned to them, said Kurtz.
