FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 26, 2022
Agencies call for increase during National Foster Care Month
LANSING – The not-for-profit, accredited child welfare agencies that make up the Association of Accredited Child & Family Agencies (AACFA) are celebrating National Foster Care Month, honoring the foster families who provide safe and loving homes for children and calling for a funding increase for foster parents
“During National Foster Care Month, we commend the families who open their homes to children and make a difference in their lives,” said Judith Fischer, AACFA president. “Not-for-profit, accredited child welfare agencies are Michigan’s experts in caring for these children and families, and we know they are able to thrive when they are provided a continuum of care from foster parents, foster care workers and accredited agencies.”
In Michigan, there are approximately 13,000 children in foster care and 300 children who need an adoptive family, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The agencies that make up AACFA have resources for those interested in giving children in need a loving and safe place to call home.
Cynthia Hollingshed, a Detroit-based teacher, has been fostering children for the last five years. After her son graduated from high school, she began taking overnight foster placements through Spectrum Human Services, an AACCFA member agency. With the support of Spectrum and Hollingshed’s “village” of support through her family, she helps young people who are in need.
“If you have a love for children, I would say give fostering a try,” Hollingshed said. “There’s a great need, and though some placements are easier than others because of the level of trauma some children have experienced, you do what you can. We’re helping out children and their families – that’s the bottom line.”
AACFA members are some of the largest child welfare agencies in Michigan, and they work hard to ensure children have the resources they need to thrive. This year, the agencies have called on Michigan lawmakers to provide an 18% pay rate increase for foster parents to help mitigate the current shortage of foster parents.