Help Raise Awareness…May is Foster Care Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Help Raise Awareness…May is Foster Care Month

Reading, PA-There are almost 400,000 children and youth in foster care and about 80% have significant mental health needs. This is the largest unmet need for children and teens in foster care. Berks County and the Greater Lehigh Valley make up over 3000 of those children in foster care.

“It means we have a tremendous need for very special people and families who are willing to open their hearts and homes for temporary placement and care of this vulnerable population,” said Jill Troutman, VP of advancement, marketing and communications for The Children’s Home of Reading.

This year, National Foster Care Month will help raise awareness about the importance of prioritizing mental health because it is an essential component of overall health and well-being.

This year’s theme, “Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families,” emphasizes how it is essential to create a child welfare system that takes a holistic and culturally responsive approach to support the mental health needs of our nation’s diverse populations. The lens with which we access mental health services must include a consideration of the culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and disability of the recipient to ensure services are effective.

“This year we are asking the community and public to help us spread the word of our need for foster care families and raise the importance of mental health within their sphere of influence,” said Troutman.

The Children’s Home of Reading is hosting three informational sessions this month:

Monday, 5/8/23 at 220 North Fifth Street in Reading from 10 am until noon

Tuesday, 5/16/23 at 1010 Centre Ave, Reading from 11 am until 3 pm.

Friday, 5/26/23 Virtually and you can reserve your spot by calling Jen at 610-655-5555.

“We need all types of families. We have veterans, single, LGBTQ+, empty nesters, renters; as long as you complete the training and background checks, are over the age of 21, and can pay your bills, we want to talk with you”, said Troutman, “Children need to know that they matter, they are heard and that someone is there that they can count on, and making sure their basic needs are met.”

To learn more about the 40-plus programs offered or more about foster care visit buildingkidslives.org.