There is a desperate need of foster homes for children already in the foster care system. Most every state is having difficulties providing a foster home to children coming into care or already in care. In the Bay Area of California, they are seeking help from the area religious community.

In San Mateo and Santa Clara counties there are about 500 children needing homes. There are around 1,200 churches in the area. If one family from each church would become foster parents, this would allow every child a home. You may read the entire article from this link. In San Mateo county there are 457 foster children but they only have 74 foster homes.

I believe this could be accomplished in a number of states and cities. This would stop children from having to stay in shelters instead of a foster home. There are more religious agencies that should be talking more with every church in their community. The faith based community can add extra support to the foster family and the foster children. Remember the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

We need to take the time to educate people on foster care and the need for foster families. This is a problem we can solve, if we all choose to work at and look at different options. We can choose to help these children now, when we can possibly make a difference. The alternative is that we will be dealing with them as young adults if we do not give them the knowledge, self esteem, and ability to care for themselves. This should take place in a foster home. We all have choices to make. The children in care do not make the choices, they just live with our choices.


“Home is the place where boys and girls first learn how to limit their wishes, abide by rules, and consider the rights and needs of others.”
Sidonie Gruenberg