Richland County Children Service seeks foster care families
May is recognized as National Foster Care Month, and Richland County Children Services says there's a need for foster families in Richland County.
The agency has on average between 130 to 140 children in its care. Families are needed for all ages of children, but especially for older youth. Foster care involves the temporary care of children ages newborn to age 18, all races, sibling groups, various religions and children with special needs.
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To be a foster parent
you must be at least 18 years of age;
be a resident of Richland County or surrounding counties;
you can be married, single or divorced;
you can have other children;
you can own or rent your home or apartment; and
you must consent to a criminal background check
Nationwide, there are more than 391,000 children and youth in foster care. Approximately 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system each year without a permanent family. Foster youth who transition out of care without strong connections are more likely to become homeless, be diagnosed with mental health disorders, suffer from substance abuse and become involved in the juvenile justice system.
For information about becoming a foster parent, call Richland County Children Services at 419-774-4100 or visit richlandcountychildrenservices.org.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County Children Services seeks more foster care families
