There are 404 foster kids in Wake County and only 94 homes. Leaders are asking for help.
Children enter the foster-care system from a range of experiences and for many reasons.
Many may wait years before being placed in a loving home, and some remain in the system until they’re 21 years old.
In Wake County, there are only 94 foster homes to help care for the current 404 foster children from newborn to 21.
The shortage of homes has become so dire that Wake County has put beds in its human services center, the Swinburne Building in Raleigh, for children who don’t have anywhere to go. In some cases, siblings have been split up and children have been sent to other communities.
“It’s a huge gap, and it’s not only a gap here in Wake County but throughout the state,” said Kimberly Herrington, a permanency manager for Wake County. “There’s a limited number of homes and resources to meet the needs of the children.”
For National Foster Care Month this May, Wake County has held a series of pop-up events to inform people who are interested in fostering and to celebrate the ones who do.
Less foster parents, more foster children
In the three years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the number of foster homes in Wake County fell by half. Other counties have seen similar setbacks.
“It’s been a difficult thing for us to continue to gain more momentum to get families to step forward,” Herrington said. “COVID-19 affected us tremendously. ... The good part is that as many (children) we’re bringing in at this point, we’re seeing lots of closures to permanency.”
Such closures occur when children are reunited with their parents, are adopted or when foster parents elect to become legal guardians, Herrington said.
There is still a great need for families willing to adopt children who cannot return home, have unique needs like medical issues, or who have siblings. The county also looks for foster parents who live where children can stay in schools and other activities they’re already involved in.
The county helps foster families with after-school care, clinical needs, school transportation and child care.
“We’re open to meeting people where they are,” Herrington said. “I know people have different life circumstances and they may not be interested in being a full-time foster parents. ... But we still want anyone who is interested in any part of the process to connect with us.”
On Tuesday, the county released a video series of foster parents sharing their experiences to encourage more people to become licensed.
“Ultimately, foster care is about reunification for the child,” local foster parent Jammie Johnson says in one of the videos. “Most of the time, it’s just going to be for a period in that child’s life, and hopefully, I’ll have a meaningful impact, even if they don’t remember me.”
Foster care requirements and eligibility
To help support foster parents, Wake County Child Welfare offers resources to help with transitions and welcoming a new child into their homes. The support includes rest periods for foster parents, respite care, childcare and events for foster parents to meet other foster families.
Foster parents also get a monthly stipend to support the physical and developmental needs of children:
- Children 0-5 = $702/month
- Children 6-12 = $742/month
- Children 13 and up = $810/month
Additionally, children can stay with relatives. Parents can identify family members who might be able to temporarily care for their children.
The county requires foster parents to:
- be a legal Wake County resident.
- be at least 21 years old and in good health.
- have a stable home and be financially stable.
- have adequate living and sleeping space for a child.
- be able to read and write.
- have a telephone.
- ensure all household members age 18 and older pass an SBI/FBI fingerprint clearance
- participate in 30 hours of group training sessions and complete and submit homework
Events this month
WAKE COUNTY
Wednesday is the final pop-up event for the month.
- Zebulon: Eastern Regional Center, May 22, 1 p.m.
DURHAM COUNTY
People interested in becoming foster parents in Durham County may call 919-560-8092 or email fosterdreams@dconc.gov.
This story was originally published May 3, 2024 at 1:17 PM.