By Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection
May is National Foster Care Month, and in Pennsylvania, more than 15,000 children are waiting for foster families. Their advocates are urging more people to open their homes to help.
Carrie Eckhardt, assistant director of domestic services for Bethany Christian Services of the Greater Delaware Valley, said their goal is to support families and children through quality social services. She shared a quote from the mother of Elle, a girl from a tough background who is now thriving thanks to a foster parent who adopted her.
“She’s made honor roll every quarter, tried out for and made a sports team at her school, enjoys her youth group, volunteers with a club of her peers and in our church,” Eckhardt outlined. “She handles her homework, manages her emotions, completes her chores, fills up her social calendar. I’m just along for the ride, cheering her on.”
Eckhardt pointed out that the group focuses on child welfare, refugee help, and keeping families together, and aims to have enough homes for the 200 foster care referrals it receives each year.
Diakon Adoption and Foster Care helps around 4,000 children a year in 30 Pennsylvania counties, including support after adoption through the Statewide Adoption Network. The Steel family has been fostering with Diakon for 12 years, caring for 21 kids.
Hannah Steel, an adoptive sibling, said in a Diakon-made video that her adopted sister Maya struggled at first but is now doing well.
“When she first came to us, it was a little stressful and a little different for her,” Steel recounted. “But as time progressed and everything, we all learned how to live together and understand each other. And I think for her, she’s made it a long way.”
Patricia Menow, senior director of permanency for Diakon, said they use social media and take part in community events to raise awareness about the ongoing need for foster families and to reach as many people as possible.
“We offer ‘Triple P,’ which is a positive parenting training program,” Menow explained. “That’s an ongoing program from the time they start coming through as a resource family, through while they are a foster family.”
Alyssa Snyder, executive director of permanency for Diakon, said it is important to understand there is a great need for more foster parents, and organizations like hers can support families of all types.
“There’s no blueprint for this,” Snyder acknowledged. “We support individuals who have this interest and ability, and the youth that are coming into care deserve to live in a family. So, we just want to encourage folks to consider that for all ages of youth.”
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Source: bctv