May 1st marked the beginning of Foster Care Month. The nationally recognized observance is meant to acknowledge the foster parents, volunteers, child welfare professionals and others community members who help children in foster care throughout the country.
Nationally, it is estimated that 430,000 kids and teens are in foster care. Here in Indiana, there were more than 40,000 children in care from December 2016 to December 2017. The month of May is an important time to recognize those who help provide a safe haven for the thousands of kids who can no longer stay in their own homes.
“It’s inspiring that there are people who are willing to open their homes and their hearts to make sure children have a nurturing and stable environment when they need it most,” DCS Director Terry Stigdon said. “At its core, foster parenting is about believing and investing in a child’s future.”
