the resource family retention problem
Toward the end of 2021, the number of children in the foster care system in the US totaled nearly 400,000. Yet, the number of those previously known as “foster families” (now known as “resource homes/families”) totaled just under 55,000. This means there are roughly 7 times more children in the foster care system than families to take care of them. In Lane County, kids in care outnumber resource homes by about 2 to 1, with 643 kids in the system and only 367 homes available as of November 2022. Sadly, this means it isn’t uncommon for a child to be removed from their home only to stay in a hotel room with a caseworker looking after them.
While this massive gap is certainly a complex issue, it does seem clear it’s not simply for lack of interest in meeting the need. Many people sign up to help make a difference, but only 50% of the nations’ resource homes are retained annually. This begs the question: what happens to these families and individuals who have great intentions of becoming resource homes?
Much could be said to answer this question; however, the quick and honest answer is that being a resource family is hard work. It takes a significant toll emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Meanwhile, many churches have small group ministries full of people who are called to care for the orphans, widows, and oppressed. And many of those churches, if they are anything like ours, might be wondering how their groups can actually pursue this call in their local community.
where foster the county comes in
The primary, practical goal of Foster Lane County is to help bridge the gap between local churches and resource homes. Ultimately, our desire is for every resource family to be cared for by the small groups that make up the local church. Our hope is that in tangibly meeting the needs of those providing resource homes, we can help ensure their longevity and increase the retention rate of resource families in Lane County. Importantly, we also believe that churches partnering with FLC will feel more connected, as the whole church shares a unified goal/purpose.
What Will This Look Like?
Churches partnering with FTC will set each of their small groups up to “foster a family” for a minimum of one year. Fostering a family will include providing practical and tangible needs.
Weekly Meal
Small group members will have a rotation for providing a weekly meal for their resource family.
Monthly Care Package
Groups will create a monthly care package that includes items the family needs as well as some fun things they can simply enjoy.
Quarterly Home Projects
Once a quarter, groups will help out with home projects such as yard work or other projects they have been putting off.
The heart behind ftc
Ultimately, our hope in walking alongside resource families is twofold: in addition to increasing the stability experienced by kids in the foster care system by improving retention rates of resource homes, we hope to demonstrate the love of Christ and share the gospel. Our goal is not to rush in and convert people; rather, it is to relationally walk with people as we seek to model Christ’s love in hopes of sharing the greatest news in human history: the gospel.
Help our Resource Families this Thanksgiving!
Click here to learn more about how we are serving our Resource Families this Thanksgiving!
Connect with our team
If you have any questions or want to connect with us about Foster The County, please reach out to our FTC Coordinator, Lilyanna Nimmer, by emailing lilyanna@gcceugene.org