EVERY YEAR IN ILLINOIS, more than 16,000 children live in foster care. Many are placed in group settings because there are simply not enough foster families to care for them. About 3,000 of these children are waiting for permanent adoptive homes.
“Each year, Hephzibah foster parents open their homes and their hearts to foster children from all over the State of Illinois,” reports Hephzibah Executive Director Merry Beth Sheets. “These dedicated individuals and families are specially trained to provide the love, constancy and support needed to help neglected and abused children heal and learn to trust again.”
“Children are placed in foster care when their parents or guardians are unable to ensure their well-being,” explains Hephzibah Director of Family Based Services Julie Dvorsky. “Sometimes, foster care is a temporary arrangement while parents and children receive the counseling, services and support that they need to succeed as a family unit. When returning home to their biological parents isn’t an option, many of the children in our Foster Care Program form permanent families with their foster parents through Hephzibah adoptions.”
Although foster parenting isn’t always easy, many of our foster parents report that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
“When children come to us hurting and frightened,” says one Hephzibah foster parent, “it brings us great joy to watch their pain go away, listen to their dreams and see them begin to believe in a better future.”
For a child who must leave everyone and everything familiar behind, entering the foster care system can be a frightening experience. But, with the love and support of a caring foster family, a child can not only adapt, but thrive. Loving foster parents have the power to change lives—and they play a critical role in helping children heal.
“When I went to live with my foster parents, it was the first time in my life that I felt taken care of,” reflects a former Hephzibah foster child. “I felt safe and loved—and I learned what it was like to be part of a family.”
Hephzibah is always in need of loving families to care for our foster children. To learn what it’s like to share your home and your love with a foster child, join us at one of our monthly foster parent information sessions.
Upcoming Info Sessions