By Staff
Adult problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, chronic joblessness or the stress of evacuating one's family because of natural or man-made disaster can have a devastating effect on a child. When these adult issues result in the abuse or neglect of a child, the Dept. of Human Resources is there to provide protective services.
The ongoing need for these vital services is being highlighted in May, which is Foster Care Awareness Month. This annual observance recognized the dedicated staff of the Dept. of Human Resources and their community partners who come to the aid of the state's foster children. There are approximately 5,800 children in foster care in Alabama.
Some children are placed in foster care briefly while a family crisis is resolved. Others remain in care for longer periods of time, depending upon the circumstances that led to their removal from their family's home. Alabama has more than 4,500 foster parents, but more are needed.
"We could not protect our hurting children without the community's help. Our foster parents, in particular, deserve special praise. Over and over again, they open their homes and hearts to these hurting children and love them unconditionally, even with the uncertainty about the length of the child's stay."
Lynn Barnes,DHR