Needed: Someone to care for foster children

Date: 12/31/2009

SPRINGFIELD As the holiday season comes to a close, thoughts of joy and belonging still fill the minds of youths, but many teens gave up on such thoughts long ago. Imagine a 16-year-old girl spending the last three years in foster care. Her childhood, spent with her mom, moving from one bad situation to the next, never knowing what tomorrow would bring. At the age of 13, she entered the foster care system when her mom was arrested. Her first few foster homes didn't work out so well; she kept running away. She was scared and hurt. She was looking for happiness but had no idea what that meant.

She finally moved in with a Dare Family Services therapeutic foster family that specialized in working with troubled teens. Although the first few months were trying, something finally clicked for her. She realized that this new family of hers really cared about her, no matter how much she tried to act out. She started to open up to this family, realizing that they were there for the long haul.

The demand for truly caring adults to become foster parents is overwhelming, especially for older foster youth. Call now to find out how you can help. For more information on becoming a foster parent, please contact Dare Family Services at 439-9000 or visit www.darefamily.org.