GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The coronavirus pandemic is creating two large problems for foster care programs.
The first problem is that current, licensed foster families may not be able to take children in due to either their health conditions during this quarantine, or the childs.
The second problem is that even during a pandemic abuse and neglect of children does not stop.
Foster care officials say they haven't seen the number of children entering foster care increase at the moment, but they anticipate that as soon as services, and schools re-open they will definitely see an increase of kids coming into care.
So to prepare for that potential increase foster care workers are offering virtual orientation meetings for families so they can call and see how they can help foster children during this time.
If you're interested in being a foster parent you need to be over the age of 18, and have a home.
Rachel Willis, Vice President of Operations at Bethany Christian Services says; "We're looking for families that are resilient and really the neatest for families that are willing to take sibling groups, so more than one child at a time and school age children."
Willis continues, "So pretty much over the age of five and to those young teenage years, that's where we see the biggest need. So if your heart is open to taking multiple kids and you have the space within your home, that's a great place to start.
If you're not interested in fostering a child you can always help by donating or simply asking any foster parents you know if they need any help, or if there is anything you can do for them.
Click here for more information about Bethany Christian Services, and foster care.