Foster Care Facts

• Critical Shortage of Foster Homes: With 620 children currently in foster care in Washoe County and fewer than 150 available foster homes, there is a pressing need for more families willing to open their homes to children experiencing foster care.
   
• Overcrowded System: Many foster homes are currently accommodating more children than they ideally should, which can lead to strain on both the children and foster families.
   
• Impact on Children: Children who are placed in foster care often face multiple moves, which can disrupt their education, emotional stability, and social relationships. Stable placements are crucial for their development.
   
• Community Support: Financial support from donors and sponsors can directly impact the quality of care and support services provided to foster children, including educational support, mental health services, and recreational activities.
   
• Recruitment and Training: Funds raised will help in the recruitment and training of new foster parents, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the needs of the children in their care.
   
• Retention of Foster Parents: Supporting current foster parents through resources, training, and respite care helps retain them in the system, reducing turnover and providing more stable environments for children.
   
• Positive Outcomes: Studies show that children in stable, supportive foster homes are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Your support can help create these positive outcomes.
   
• Immediate Needs: Funding for special programs and extracurricular activities that enrich the lives of foster children and families to grow HSA’s recruitment efforts.
   
• Long-Term Benefits: Effective foster care reduces the likelihood of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration among former foster youth, creating long-term benefits for our community!

Foster Connect

Do you own a business or offfer a service?  Do you want to make a difference? Here is how you can help!

The Foster Connect program provides foster parents with essential support and relief during challenging times, not only helps them succeed, but helps them remain a much needed care provider.  Participating in the program gives you the power to directly impact the lives of children and families, by offering them hope, assistance, and a sense of belonging when they need it most.

Learn more about Foster Connect.