Is there a need for Foster Parents in Los Angeles Country? Absolutely! It is the job of the Los Angeles County, Department of Children and Families Services (DCFS) to protect children. DCFS removes children from their birth homes to protective foster homes every day.
As of January 2009, there are 20,809 children in placement awaiting the return home or adoption to a forever family
The following is the breakdown of children currently receiving services from DCFS:
Ethnicity Age Gender
White 3,979 Birth-2 Years 6,010 Male 16,509
Hispanic 18,250 3-4 Years 3,565 Female 16,705
African American 9,943 5-9 Years 7,743
Asian 624 10-13 Years 6,279
Other 418 14-15 Years 3,831
The following is the breakdown of reasons children were referred to DCFS:
• Sexual abuse 1,238
• Physical abuse 2,720
• Severe Neglect 146
• General Neglect 3,879
• Emotional Abuse 1,153
• Exploitation 13
• Caretaker Abs./Incapacity 243
• At risk, Sibling Abuse 2,850
• Substantial risk 312
Source: Data are from the Child Welfare Services/Case Management
Fostering is an amazing way to help change a child’s life. It is about families who open up their homes and their hearts to a child in need. Foster placements can last for days, months or sometimes years. The ultimate goal of foster care is the reunification of children with their original families. Foster parents must have great inner strength and the skills to give their time, patience, and support to these children who are in “crisis.”
Research shows that having a stable, loving, and caring home environment can help repair the damage of child abuse and neglect. Foster parents can truly make a difference. Our future lies in the hands of today’s children. Consider foster care and foster care adoption.
For further information about becoming a foster or fost/adopt parent, please contact Robin Monroe, M.A., Certification Coordinator, Inner Circle Foster Care & Adoption Services, at 818-988-6300, ext 212, or email robinm@fosterfamily.org .