HAMILTON — The Marion County Department of Human Resources will hold free foster parent classes beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the DHR offices in Bedford Industrial Park in Hamilton.
According to local child advocate, foster parent and founder of Kids for Life, Melissa Mathieson, there is a greater need for local foster parents than ever before, with a record number of children needing foster care.
“There’s a big need,” she said. “We have so many needs. We created Kids for Life and the Marion County Foster Parent Association to help create awareness in the community and build support for the children in foster care and the foster parents who are providing for them.”
Marion County DHR Director Dwan Madden noted, “We currently have 53 children in foster care with only 19 licensed foster homes. Due to a shortage of homes, we sometimes have to place children in a different county, which disrupts their lives even more.
“This could cause them to have to change schools, leave friends and stop their extracurricular activities, in addition to the loss they already have from leaving their home.
“If you have ever thought about being a foster parent, I would encourage you to call our office and speak with Melanie Norris or Misty Miller at 921-6000 to get more information.”
Mathieson said she is also available to answer questions from the viewpoint of a foster parent. She can also provide more information about support services available through Kids for Life and Restoration Family Services. Interested persons can contact the organization at 205-430-2674 or find them on Facebook at Kids for LifeAL.
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