Foster Care Month observed in May

The Highland County Press

Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeff Duncan proclaimed the month of May 2015 as Foster Care Month in Highland County during their Wednesday, May 6 board meeting.

Accepting the proclamation were Jodi Kidder, foster care coordinator for Highland County Children Services, Ronda McAdams, Kaitlyn Lutz, Tonia Farley, Stephanie Beeler and foster parent Megan Thompson.

Currently, there are 144 children being served through Highland County Children Services, with 73 in foster care.

According to Kidder, the county has 13 foster families, but will soon be losing one of its longtime families.

"Our goal would be to have 15 certified families by the end of this year and 20 by the end of next year," Kidder said.

Commissioners stressed the need for additional families, as some children are living two hours or more from Highland County.

"It's quite a challenge, but if anyone has interest in becoming a foster family, please contact Children Services," Wilkin said.

Kidder encouraged anyone who would like to learn more about becoming a foster parent to contact her at (937) 402-5055.

This month, Highland County Children Services is thanking its current foster parents who do an outstanding job at providing excellent care for the children of Highland County.

According to a news release from Kidder, "In the last year, the number of children in need of foster care in the county has increased, and the number of licensed foster homes has decreased. This dynamic has led to more and more children being placed outside of our county for foster care. When children have to be placed outside of the county, it causes further disruption in their lives as they have to adjust not only to a new home environment, but a new school, new neighborhood and new norms.

"Highland County is seeking foster and adoptive parents who have faith in themselves and in children, who believe they can make a difference in a child's life, who are willing to take a chance and who are willing to learn. Foster children and adopted children grow to be successful citizens, parents, employees and community leaders. Their success can be attributed to supportive foster and adoptive parents who believe in their potential."

Highland County Children Services will be hosting a Foster Parent Appreciation and Recruitment event on May 16 at the Highland Lanes Bowling Center from 2-4 p.m. HCCS invites anyone interested in learning more about becoming a licensed foster or adoptive parent to stop in for more information. Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age and can be single, married or divorced.