State Highlights Need For Foster Families

With the pandemic going on, the need for foster families in Michigan continues to exist. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News the state always has thousands of kids waiting for safe and caring families to take them in.

“We currently have about 12,500 children in care, and we’re dealing with a unique kind of situation right now with the pandemic going on, but we still do need foster homes,” Wheaton said.

Wheaton says the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how the state handles foster families.

“We’re informing all prospective foster parents of a child’s health status prior to placement, we’re asking health screening questions of all household members of a foster family before placement.”

If your family can take in a child in need of a home while they wait for problems with their biological parents to be worked out, you’re encouraged to contact a Foster Care Navigator. Those are experienced foster parents who can answer questions. You can find more information about being a foster home right here.