In Wake County, a pressing need for foster parents continues to grow as more than 427 children find themselves in need of a safe and stable environment. With only 67 foster homes currently available, the gap is one the community urgently needs to address. As Commissioner Vickie Adamson with the Wake County Board of Commissioners emphasized in a statement obtained by Wake County, “As difficult as it is to separate a child from their family, sometimes it is the only way to keep them safe.” She highlights the critical role foster parents play in providing the care these children need while their families work on reunification.
Contrary to popular belief, becoming a foster parent is often not a lifelong commitment but rather a temporary measure to support a child in crisis. The system in Wake County endeavors to eventually reunite children with their biological families when safe and possible. Foster parents step in to offer care and stability during what may be the most challenging period in a child’s life. Wake County news informs that foster parents receive a stipend varying by the child’s age: $702 per month for ages 0–5, $742 for 6–12, and $810 for those 13 and older, to help with the children’s needs.
Financial aid isn’t the only support available to foster parents. Wake County also provides resources including respite care, childcare, and community connections with other foster families. An upcoming session on May 13 offers prospective foster parents the chance to learn more about the role and its impact on children’s lives. For those interested, there’s an opportunity to just hear from people who are already deeply involved and to discover the difference they could potentially make in a child’s life…