SARASOTA – The Suncoast is experiencing a critical shortage in foster homes for children.
“When you’re a foster parent you’re giving a chance to be a champion for that kid, while their parents aren’t able to,” said a foster mom in Arcadia, Micaela Ford.
As COVID has exacerbated the system, The Safe Children coalition is experiencing a shortage in foster parents.
“And we need about 40, 50 more foster homes for our children in our care,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Safe Children Coalition, Brena Slater.
Without sufficient foster homes, children often are moved out of the area.
Only 170 foster homes available throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. One Arcadia couple has fostered 7 children in just 2 ½ years
“What I always hear people talk about all the time is I could never do that because I get too attached, or I couldn’t do that because I couldn’t let them go, and I’ll be the first to tell you that is the worst part, that’s the worst part, letting them go after a year, or two years or however long you had them even a couple months,” said Ford.
Although it’s the worst part, she says she would do it all over again.
“Once you’ve met the kids, and you know them, they’re a part of your life and I would go through all of this all over again, I can’t imagine my life without each of those kids, in it at this point,” said Ford.
It is a lot to take on, but in fostering you are never alone, with a case manager or a licensing specialist
“There’s always somebody that you’ll get comfortable with, and you can call at any time and even another foster parent, we have a couple foster parents in town that we kind of bounce ideas off of and stuff,” said Ford.
Fostering has been one of the most important jobs she’s ever had, and encourages anyone to do it.
“It can be any kind of person, you don’t have to own a house, and you don’t have to be married, there’s no like requirement, as long as you have a safe, loving place, that’s all that’s really needed,” said Ford.
For more information or to inquire about becoming a foster parent, you can visit the Safe Children’s Coalition here.
