In North Texas there are 4,000 children in foster care and 1,000 of them are legally free for adoption. They have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect and it is no longer safe for them to live there. These children need a safe, loving, permanent home--a forever family. Many of these children are sent out of our area due to a shortage of local foster homes. Each year over 300 of these children will turn 18 and age-out of the foster care system without a permanent familiy.
How Can You Help?
Is there room in your heart, your home, your family to foster or adopt or to provide respite care for another family who is fostering?
Consider becoming a child's voice in court. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) trains volunteers to work with the children, their families, the courts and the child welfare system to help these children find safe, permanent loving homes. An advocate can play a vital role in speaking up for the best interests of the child.
Did someone in your life encourage you? Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) provides support for young people who have not been adopted and who will transition out of the foster care system when they turn 18. Help guide a young person to see their potential and recognize their strengths by becoming a TRAC mentor.
Help restore the dignity of a child in crisis. Community Partners of Dallas provides resources and support to the caseworkers of Child Protective Services. They have several programs that provide a variety of opportunities to get involved.
For more information, visit http://www.thefaithconnection.org/ or contact Penny Cook at 214.750.5606 orpenny@thefaithconnection.org.
