You Can Help a Teen in Need

Imagine losing everything. Your home, your school, your friends…even your bike. Imagine not knowing where you will eat your next meal or where you’ll be sleeping next week. This is the reality for over 400 children in Cecil and Harford Counties who are in the foster care system, according to the most recent Cecil and Harford County Department of Social Services census. The current need for foster and adoptive parents is dire. The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) has to turn away on average 10 referrals for placements a month, mainly teenagers, due to the lack of qualified foster homes. According to AdoptUSKids.org, out of the 5,000 children in Maryland foster care, five percent are at risk of never having a family. You can be the family these teenagers need by receiving support from The Arc NCR.

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program is seeking people willing to open their homes and hearts to help a teenage child. Treatment Foster Care helps some of the most vulnerable kids in Maryland, and without people to provide a nurturing home locally, these children will continue to suffer the trauma of being moved away from their school, friends and family. TFC trains and certifies foster parents. Potential parents can expect to receive initial training, as well as additional training throughout the year; children who are the best match for their home; frequent contact and support from licensed social workers; 24-hour emergency on-call services; financial support to care for the child; individualized planning; and respite services.

Why should you become a foster parent? Foster parents provide loving homes, a high level of care for children in need and stable relationships that last a lifetime. “Permanent, stable relationships can reduce the likelihood of early pregnancy, homelessness, poverty, incarceration and mental health problems,” explains Director of Treatment Foster Care at The Arc NCR, Joel Lightfoot. Foster children come in all ages, sizes and ethnic backgrounds, with one important need in common: a family.

Are you ready to make a difference in a teen’s life? Call Treatment Foster Care at The Arc NCR at 410-836-7177 extension 329 or visit www.arcncr.org. You can attend an information session to decide if becoming a foster parent is right for you. As the holidays are approaching, you can also help children in need by making a donation.

Photo caption: Most foster care children in need of homes are teenagers.