Alaska Center for Resource Families recognizes a 30% decline in foster homes since 2020.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Finding the right homes for foster children can already be challenging, and according to the Alaska Center for Resource Families it has only worsened during the pandemic.
The numbers of available foster homes does, without question, fluctuate - but more recently the declining has been unrelenting. While the number of available homes has decreased, this does not mean the number of children in need has changed. There are currently about 3,000 children statewide that are in out-of-home placement, and Hanft says, “If you think about the 100+ homes just in Fairbanks, that’s not nearly going to cover what we need for kids in care.
The center also mentioned that they are looking for homes to accommodate siblings, children with disabilities, and even Tribal homes. Hanft explained that OCS does their best to keep siblings together throughout the foster and adoption process. As far as Alaskan Tribal homes go, Hanft notes, “We work in partnership with tribes all across the State to support tribally licensed homes.”
The center ensures that everyone knows being a foster parent is no walk in the park, but adds it is an opportunity to give a child a life that they all deserve. “Foster care is challenging,” Hanft continued. “It can feel isolating. Sometimes you have to go out and find those answers yourself, but you’re doing it for the purpose of supporting these kids, helping them on a road to heal and hopefully supporting the reunification of that family.
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