Aug 28, 2018
John Bretle, Social Worker
The Foster Care Crisis-How Can You Help

In St. Croix County, as well other counties in Wisconsin and throughout the nation, there is a shortage of foster care resources for children who are placed in out-of-home care. The numbers of children entering foster care continues to increase significantly. Much of this increase can be attributed to parental substance abuse, especially of methamphetamine and opioids. Foster care providers are an invaluable resource for children and youth who are unable to live in their in their own homes. Recruiting foster parents has become more and more challenging over the years as it has become much more than taking a child into the home and providing love, support and encouragement. The demands and challenges of fostering are great and in today’s world, foster parents must be prepared to meet the needs of foster children who have complex trauma histories. Although foster parenting can be incredibly challenging, and perhaps one of the most difficult “jobs” an individual may have in their lifetime, it can also be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of an individual’s life as well. Please consider if there is something you or your community can do to help alleviate this crisis.