LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky has a growing need for foster care parents, especially for teenagers.
Since last August, there have been more than 5,000 Kentuckians between the ages of 11 and 17 placed in foster care, according to Kentucky Child Protective Services data.
"There's always a need, but there also is a growing need for homes that would be willing to accept adolescents," Paul Robinson, Home of the Innocents CEO, said.
According to the Home of the Innocents leadership, more than 2,000 children between age 12 and 18 are currently in Kentucky's foster care system.
"These children have been abused, abandoned or neglected," Robinson said. "There's a reason why they are being placed in a foster home, but it is so rewarding to go down that path and to know that you're directly helping support a child that has no one else to help them."
Robinson said 47% of the foster care youth that they served last year were 11 years old or older.
"Two of our five children we adopted. So I this is a very personal issue for me as well," Robinson said.
Robinson said foster care and adoption isn't for everyone.
"There are challenges and there's considerations," Robinson said.
But, the Home of the Innocents can help prospective families navigate that decision.
"It's always good to just really take some time to reflect and think about whether or not you're willing to open your home, willing to open your heart to children that are very vulnerable," Robinson said.
There is an online interest form on their website, and takes less than 5-minutes to fill out.
"There's so much need across the state, and it's just, it's a wonderful calling for families," Robinson said.
For some, it may be an opportunity to change a teenager's life.
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- Kentucky lawmakers pass bill expanding eligibility for child care subsidies to foster parents working remotely
- Kentucky lawmakers hoping to lessen time children spend in foster care system
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