This conversation was in collaboration with One More Child.

DYK there are 19,000+ children currently in foster care in FL? Around 1,375 of them are in Polk, Hardee, and Highland Counties – and the number of children that have been removed from their homes in the area equates close to 700+ since Sept. 2019.

Recently, legislation was implemented to assist in providing resources for relative caregivers + elevating training support. But we know this is only one part of the puzzle. It takes a village to raise a child, after all.

Whether you’re looking to become a foster parent or wanting to learn how to get involved, there are many ways to make a difference in these children’s lives, both locally + statewide.

Explore becoming a foster parent. Read these FAQs from Florida Department of Children and Families.
Meet the faces of fostering like this family, who are choosing to “Stand in the Gap.”
Attend a number of benefit events that help to support fostering organizations, such as the annual One More Child Celebration Ball – where you can be a part of the mission to raise one million meals for children and families in need.
Join a Foster Crew. Help by babysitting, cooking meals, or sending notes, gifts, or encouragement.
Financially support a child-serving organization. Research what they do and see if it coincides with your ideas of a better future for children in foster care. (Right now, One More Child is trying to collect one million diapers + Heartland for Children is teaming up with Lakeland Magic to help make the holidays brighter for kids in need.)
Become an advocate. Call your legislators and strive to improve the family court process or join a group of citizens working to better the foster care system.
Prepare or donate meals, or parts of meals, during the holidays for children and their families (or toys – don’t forget about the toys).
Become a foster parent or adopt a child. Plan to attend an upcoming foster care training or information night from One More Child or Heartland for Children.

Who do you know in the community that’s making a big impact for foster children? Shout out a local hero in this post.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)