Kids in foster care continue to rise in CSRA counties
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia ranks amongst the top 10 states with the highest number of children in foster care.
We break down the numbers and what they mean.
The numbers in Georgia are staggering.
“There are 20,000 children that are looking for foster care. So, it depends on how many parents can help those children. So we have some that can just do one child, some that can do six children. So it varies, but there is such a need for foster parents good quality foster parents for our youth,” said Mary Gossard, foster parent recruiter for the National Youth Advocate Program.
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This can have long-lasting effects on a child.
According to Foster Youth of America, around 50% of foster children graduate from high school.
“They just don’t think they’re worthy. They don’t think they’re meaningful. They don’t think they’re, they’re important. And that is that is back on us because our children are our future,” said Gossard.
To put things in our area in perspective, in 2023, about 57 children in Columbia County were in foster care. Aiken County averages 119 children, and in Richmond County, 385 children are in foster care.
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“I can’t express enough like we were really looking for those ive, wonderful foster families that want to open up their homes,” said Gossard.
The National Youth Advocate Program focuses on connecting children with foster parents who can provide emotional and comion.
“Pre-service training is the training that is based on trauma-informed care. So basically, preparing a new parent on how to become a foster parent. And just working with that kid, as if it was your own child. We don’t want to separate them as being like other children or foster children, they need to have that stability and that security, and having an emotional, mature parent is essential for that,” said Gossard.
“If this is something you want to get your church involved in, please reach out to us because we’d love to collaborate with other businesses as well,” said Gossard.
For more information on how to become a foster parent, visit the National Youth Advocate Program website.
On the website, you’ll find a JOT form to put your information in.
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