Fostering faith, love, hope, changing futures.
What's the Issue?
Fostering, adoptive, and kinship families need our support.
Consider these important facts about fostering and adoptive families in Ohio :
•In 2023, Ohio had over 16,500 children in foster care but only 7,000 licensed foster homes, highlighting a significant gap in resources.*
•60% of children entering foster care are between 0-5 years old, a critical developmental stage.
•Parental substance abuse, neglect, and mental health challenges are common reasons for children entering foster care.***
| Richland County Statistics | |
| Children Services Cases of Abuse | 538 |
| Children Services Cases of Neglect | 359 |
| Kids in Custody of County | 129 |
| Kids Moved Out of Richland County b/c No Placement Available | 51 |
| Kids in Kinship Care (avg 3 per home) | 2217 |
*,*** “Understanding Ohio Foster Care Stats – Pathway Caring for Children.” Pathway Caring for Children -, 20 Sept. 2023, www.pathwaycfc.org/blog/understanding-ohio-foster-care-a-closer-look-at-the-stats/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024. **“ Foster Care | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.” Ohio.gov, 2022, education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Foster-Care. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
This information underlines the growing need for supportive foster and adoptive families in the state.
Our Response
In response to the challenging statistics around foster and adoptive families in Richland County, the Family Foundations Ministry is committed to addressing these needs through tangible support, training, and fostering connections.
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SupportingSmall groups, material support, visitations, and meals ensure that families are progressing well and are able to voice what they need.
- Connection
Programs and events that will offer connection between families to provide a supportive network. (Game night anyone?)
- Play
Ensuring healthy family development and a positive outlook on the fostering and adoptive journey.
- Rest
Programming and events that allow parents to pause and process their situation and adventures.
- Training
Propping up families for success through education, seminars, and varying classes.
- Recruiting
Aiming to reduce the amount of children without homes by recruiting open homes for children who need them.
By providing material assistance, emotional support, training, and community building, we strive to strengthen and uplift foster and adoptive families, ensuring that they have the resources and encouragement necessary to thrive. Our goal is to make a lasting difference by empowering families to navigate the unique challenges of fostering and adoption with resilience and hope.
What Can I Do to Help?
You can make a difference!
Volunteer
Join our Resource Care Team, Meal Prep Team, or Child Care Group to support foster families directly.
Donate
Join our Resource Care Team, Meal Prep Team, or Child Care Group to support foster families directly.
Pray
Keep foster children, families, and volunteers in your prayers, asking for strength, healing, and love in their lives.
Share the Word
Share our mission with your community, friends, and family to raise awareness of the needs and opportunities to support foster care.
Need Support?
If you’re a foster, adoptive, or kinship family needing support, we’re here! Please reach out by giving us a call at 419-623-5599 or click the button below to fill out a quick form. Our team is ready to connect with you to help you thrive on this journey.