Increased need for foster parents during National Foster Care Month

CLEVELAND - In Cuyahoga County there are more than 2,000 children who are placed in foster care.  This is the highest number of children in county care since 2011.  The number of children in county care has increased in recent months due to the opiate crisis and other community factors.

• Small children (infants – preschoolers)
• Teenage girls
• Sibling groups who wish to stay together

“The need for quality foster parents is critical,” says Cynthia Weiskittel, DCFS Director. “We are looking for loving, committed adults willing to open their hearts and homes to children who need a safe and supportive environment during a difficult time in their lives.”

In honor of National Foster Care Month DCFS is highlighting the vital impact a foster parent can play in a child’s life, as well as the parenting partners they can become for birth parents who want to be reunited with their child.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent can call (216) 881-5775 or visit http://cfs.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_cfs/en-US/FosterAdoptionHandbook.pdf  for more information.

You can also register now for Race 4 Home, the second annual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk to raise awareness of the need for foster and adoptive families.  Race 4 Home will be held Sunday, July 30^th, 9:00 a.m. at Edgewater Park register here.