This conversation was in collaboration with One More Child.
DYK there are 19,000+ children currently in foster care in FL? Around 1,375 of them are in Polk, Hardee, and Highland Counties – and the number of children that have been removed from their homes in the area equates close to 700+ since Sept. 2019.
Recently, legislation was implemented to assist in providing resources for relative caregivers + elevating training support. But we know this is only one part of the puzzle. It takes a village to raise a child, after all.
Whether you’re looking to become a foster parent or wanting to learn how to get involved, there are many ways to make a difference in these children’s lives, both locally + statewide.
- Explore becoming a foster parent. Read these FAQs from Florida Department of Children and Families.
- Meet the faces of fostering like this family, who are choosing to “Stand in the Gap.”
- Attend a number of benefit events that help to support fostering organizations, such as the annual One More Child Celebration Ball – where you can be a part of the mission to raise one million meals for children and families in need.
- Join a Foster Crew. Help by babysitting, cooking meals, or sending notes, gifts, or encouragement.
- Financially support a child-serving organization. Research what they do and see if it coincides with your ideas of a better future for children in foster care. (Right now, One More Child is trying to collect one million diapers + Heartland for Children is teaming up with Lakeland Magic to help make the holidays brighter for kids in need.)
- Become an advocate. Call your legislators and strive to improve the family court process or join a group of citizens working to better the foster care system.
- Prepare or donate meals, or parts of meals, during the holidays for children and their families (or toys – don’t forget about the toys).
- Become a foster parent or adopt a child. Plan to attend an upcoming foster care training or information night from One More Child or Heartland for Children.
Who do you know in the community that’s making a big impact for foster children? Shout out a local hero in this post.
