|
|
MILWAUKEE (5/6/2008) - More than 513,000 American children are in foster care because their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential well-being. As of the end of March, there were 2,800 children in Milwaukee County receiving care from the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare while their parents make the changes necessary to ensure a safe home for them to return to. Like all young people, youth in foster care deserve and benefit from enduring, positive relationships with caring adults.
May is National Foster Care Month and the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare and Children's Service Society of Wisconsin are calling attention to the needs of children and adolescents in foster care. With outstretched arms and open hearts, foster families provide loving homes for children when their own parents are unable to care for them. When situations prevent children from going home, adoptive families provide a forever family.
Foster parenting is a rewarding opportunity that helps shape brighter futures. With guidance and support from a caring adult, children in foster care are capable of realizing their fullest potential. Fostering and adopting children isn't the only way you can help. Everyone can make a difference in a foster child's life.
Individuals can be mentors or provide respite care. Business owners or managers can reach out and mentor these kids by providing job training and a pathway into the work world. People also can donate books, games, computers, sports equipment, musical instruments and school supplies to foster children. There are many ways that people in our community can change a life for a child in foster care by sharing their hearts, opening their homes or offering help to children and youth who are in need.
On Friday, May 16, foster and adoptive parents will be honored at an appreciation dinner that recognizes their outstanding accomplishments. In addition, Mayor Tom Barrett has proclaimed May 16th as Foster Family Day in Milwaukee.
For more information about foster parenting or adopting a child in foster care and other ways to help, contact Children's Service Society at (414) 264-KIDS or visit www.cssw.org.
Children's Service Society is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers more than 70 activities and programs in three core service areas: out-of-home care; counseling and case management; and prevention services. CSSW is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System.
|
