National Foster Care Month: Churches Help Children Find Families

Sarah Torre / May 18, 2011

A few weeks ago, President Obama declared May to be National Foster Care Month, reminding Americans that “the best path to success we can give [foster children] is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive.” Thanks to churches and other faith-based organizations, thousands more children are commemorating this year’s Foster Care Month in the comfort and stability of a permanent family.

As the Washington Times recently reported, adoptions out of foster care rose to a record high of 57,000 in 2009, while the average waiting period for adoption dropped from 48 months in 1998 to 35 months in 2009. Legislative reforms and renewed adoption tax credits over the past decade played a role in helping to streamline an otherwise complex and inefficient system. Private, faith-based organizations have also helped increase adoptions in a number of states by encouraging church members to consider adopting foster children. (more…)