Release Date: May 11, 2009
File:

Summary:
The Montgomery County Department of Job & Family Services is urging all county residents to do something positive to make a difference for children and youth in foster care in recognition of May as National Foster Care Month.  Suggestions for volunteers, mentors, employers and others interested are available at www.fostercaremonth.org.

There are approximately 700 children in Montgomery County and 13,000 children statewide in foster care.  In addition, many children live with grandparents or other relatives when their birth parents are unable to temporarily care for them.  Kinship care increases stability for children by keeping them closer to their siblings, extended families, neighborhoods and schools.

"This is a time to encourage more people to consider foster parenting.  It is also an opportunity to thank foster parents and kinship caregivers for the compassion and guidance they provide on a daily basis," said Children Services Assistant Director Gayle Bullard.  "Foster parents not only offer a temporary home for children, but they have a unique opportunity to make a lifelong, positive change in their lives."

To find out more information about foster care and adoption, contact the Children Services Division of the Montgomery County Department of Job & Family Services at 224-KIDS or visit www.mcohio/childrenservices.org.