by Catherine Brummet-Peterson, L.C.S.W., V.P. Program Operations, Executive Director Northern AZ Region, Catholic Charities Community Services
Everyone loves a good party, especially foster children. Recently, these kids enjoyed a wonderful party with their foster families at Sacred Heart Parish. But not every foster child has that opportunity. That’s where we need your help. Catholic Charities needs more foster parents.
Every day, thousands of children find themselves in the care of the state. They need a caring, nurturing place to stay until a permanent home can be found, whether it is with relatives or a loving adoptive family. That’s where Catholic Charities Community Services comes in. We’ve been providing foster care services for 85 years. We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment.
Creating the right fit for families and children is the goal of our foster placement program. But we don’t stop there. We support foster families throughout and after licensure.
Some children need a home for a day, others a week, and still others may need care for a year or more. No matter how short or long they are in a loving foster home, these children make a lifetime impression.
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can help answer your questions. Catholic Charities will help you train and become licensed to provide temporary foster care until children can be reunited with their parents. You can also help provide temporary respite care for other foster care parents during vacations or emergencies. Or, we can train those who are interested in providing therapeutic foster care or care for medically fragile children. We continue enriching lives by helping to facilitate adoption of foster children when the state terminates the parental rights of the parents.
Our experienced, supportive staff will help make your foster experience positive and rewarding. We provide support groups, advanced trainings, a 24-hour emergency hotline and social and networking opportunities with other foster families.
Are you ready to make a difference? If you’re at least 21 years old, in good health with sufficient family income, we will help you complete your background check, gather references and complete your training and documentation.
Don’t worry. If you’re not ready to become a foster parent, there are many other ways you can help:
- Mentor: Foster children need reliable and positive role models. They need someone to be there for them and to show them how special they are. Consider mentorship.
- CASA: Help a child by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). As a CASA volunteer, you’ll advocate for your foster child in and out of the courtroom. You’ll be his/her champion.
- Donate: With your Foster Care Tax Credit or any gift or donation, Catholic Charities can continue providing care and support for these special children. They need sports equipment, music lessons and tutoring help. Your donation can make a huge impact on a child’s life.
Are you ready to make a miracle? Contact us at CatholicCharitiesAZ.org/foster or by calling 602-943-3843. Learn about Therapeutic Foster Care. Call Candace Lea at 928-708-7280.
