THE CAUSE
Foster Care Ministry
To Support Fostering Families
The Church has always been a powerful influence in families and relationships. But are we actively engaged in supporting some of the most broken?
THE NEED
Support Roles For
Foster Parents and Children
About half of foster families stop fostering within the first year due to isolation and lack of support. This is detrimental to the children living with those families. Church ministries can help retain foster families by providing support and understanding how kids with trauma need a different kind of parenting.
The Church Can Be The Solution
THE WHY
The Foster Care Crisis
In West Virginia
West Virginia has the highest number of children in the foster care system per capita. For every 1,000 babies born in West Virginia, 24.6 are removed due to maltreatment. This is more than three times the national average of seven per 1,000.
A DESPERATE CALL FOR FOSTER FAMILIES
Advocates consistently report that there is an insufficient number of foster families to care for these children. 80% of families who foster stop fostering within two years. Without support and care, the future for these children can be bleak.
TRAUMA FOR CHILDREN
Over 60% of children in foster care
are removed due to neglect.
In West Virginia, it is estimated that 85% of child cases involve drug use.
Over 60% of children in foster care
will experience seven or more
school changes.
THE CALL
WHAT SHOULD THE CHURCH DO
The purest outward expression of an inward belief in Jesus Christ is to care for those who are suffering and broken. “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” – James 1:27 (NLT)
OUR GUIDE
The Gospel shows the Church how we should care for kids in crisis. Christ inserted Himself into our brokenness, and being broken Himself, redeemed us out of it by making us part of His family. Jesus Christ moved toward hard and broken people and places rather than avoiding or ignoring them.
GREAT COMMISSION
Helping vulnerable kids and families enable churches to live out the Great Commission by teaching people to obey God’s command. When serving the less fortunate, people grow in their obedience and genuinely demonstrate Christ’s love for others.