Greensboro, NC, April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Each May, during National Foster Care Month, Children’s Home Society of NC (CHS) recognizes foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care maintain and strengthen connections. We use this time to renew our commitment to ensuring a bright future for the more than 390,000 children and youth in foster care nationally and celebrate those who make a meaningful difference in their lives.

With nearly 11,000 children in care in North Carolina and only 5,400 foster homes, there is a critical shortage of foster parents. The need is great for foster families to support these children during the transition while they await reunification with their family of origin, guardianship with relatives, or adoption. Sadly, these children have had to leave their homes due to unstable situations, and they look to loving adults in our communities for the things their own families are unable to provide at the time.

We especially celebrate our more than 500 CHS foster parents like Kaleigh Connell. Previously a first-grade teacher, Connell had worked with several students who were in foster care, and she was interested in helping them outside the classroom.

“There is a huge need for people who want to foster right now. Knowing you can become a safe place and a pillar of support for children and their families is so rewarding. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Connell shared. “Even if you’re just thinking about it, at least ask for more information. If you decide you’re not ready, you can still learn how to support foster parents in your community.”

For children who are going through this unsettling transition, foster families:

• provide a safe and comfortable family environment.
• provide physical and emotional needs as they would for their own child.
• ensure that the child attends school and express appreciation for their accomplishments.
• provide recreational and enriching activities.
• provide appropriate clothing.
• attend to medical and dental needs.
• guide through the grieving and adjustment process that accompanies the transition.
• help maintain a realistic relationship with their families through visitation and active consideration of the child’s feelings.
• assist in preparing the child to return to family or to be moved to a permanent adoptive home.

However, these champions often go unnoticed. National Foster Care Month provides the occasion to raise awareness of foster care and to present opportunities for people in our communities to be informed, provide support, and consider becoming a foster parent.

Because our mission is founded on ensuring a permanent, safe, and loving family for every child, those considering providing foster care can rest assured that Children’s Home Society is prepared to walk alongside foster families every step of the way.

For more information on Children’s Home Society, becoming a foster or adoptive parent, volunteering, or providing financial support, please call 800-632-1400 or visit www.chsnc.org.

Children's Home Society is dedicated to providing top-quality, evidence-based programs and services to children and families throughout North Carolina.  Our education and child welfare staff provided services to more than 22,000 individuals last year, educating and preserving families, supporting children and families through transitions, and creating new families.

Kayleigh Connell is available for interviews.
Please contact Dillard Spring to schedule: 800-632-1400 [email protected]

About Children’s Home Society of North Carolina
Children’s Home Society offers a network of services and support throughout North Carolina to help establish and sustain healthy, loving relationships in every family. For 120 years, Children’s Home Society has provided a broad spectrum of programs and services including adoption, foster care, parenting education, family preservation, and teen responsibility. Children’s Home Society believes in the importance of family, not only in the life of a child but also in the foundation of a community. For more information, visit www.chsnc.org.