BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — In Alabama, there are less than 2,500 homes available for the nearly 6,000 foster children in need across the state.
Foster care agencies in central Alabama are urging the public to consider assisting the state's most vulnerable population.
Caseworkers understand that taking on the role of a foster parent can be intimidating. To alleviate potential stressors, programs are available to provide resources and knowledge for new foster parents to help children succeed.
According to Lifeline, a children's services agency in Jefferson County, there are over 900 children in foster care and 318 foster homes in the area alone.
“It’s children that are going into overcrowded foster homes, or residential foster homes that are not a family setting,” Christie Mac Segers, vice president of domestic services with Lifeline, said.
At Lifeline, classes are being held to prepare potential foster parents on how to raise a child in the foster care system.
“The training for foster parents before they become a foster parent and even continuing training after that, helps them understand that trauma, helps them understand how it impacts their brain, how it impacts their behavior,” Segers said.
The Foster Coalition, another agency based in Birmingham, works to connect those in foster care with resources, Kelly Alligood says she has seen firsthand the positive impact a foster parent can have on a child.
“They need a secure, reliable person in their lives, no matter is what going on in their situation, they need someone they can depend on,” Alligood said.
Two foster parent training classes are planned for Aug. 26 and 27 by Lifeline. More information can be found on the flyers below:
