By: Andrea Huerta is a foster parent, wannabe Greenvillian homesteader, co-author of Simple Family Spanish and blogger.

This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.

*Disclaimer: While this author is licensed through Thornwell, this post is not written on behalf of any foster care agency. This is the perspective of a local foster parent with links to local resources and input from the Greenville County Foster Parent Association.*

Hi neighbors,

My name is Andrea, and I am a Greenville County foster parent. Like you, I’ve been paying more attention to the news lately. But I’ve especially been paying attention to how COVID-19 may be impacting at-risk kiddos and their families in the Upstate.

Since May is Foster Care Awareness month, I wanted to share some quick stats on the impact COVID-19 may be having on at-risk children and also give you some ways you could help Upstate foster families.

During the pandemic, SC Child abuse and neglect cases dropped by 50%, which does not mean less children are being abused. State leaders are concerned these numbers could indicate a potential rise in unseen child abuse during a time of isolation and high pressure. In addition, the courts have been backed up because of COVID-19, leading to delayed decisions on cases and the postponing of long-awaited adoption dates. In March 2020, SC had around 4,400 children in foster care and was short 1,675 foster homes.

As a foster family who thrives on “the village that helps raise the child,” it has been an eerie time to watch foster care closets temporarily close, much-needed therapists unable to enter homes or daycares, childcare options limited leading to loss of work hours, teachers no longer able to help with high-energy kiddos during the day, churches closed, biological visits moved to digital calls, and extended family visits canceled. Add in children who quietly graduate without fanfare, have to move to another foster home due to job/childcare loss, or age out of the system...and you have a new perspective on isolation.

It has also been a beautiful time where I’ve been able to witness firsthand the incredible resilience of our community. I’ve seen social workers get creative about how to support their foster families, switching to Facetime and mailing fun kid activities. The Greenville County Foster Parent Association has mailed dining gift cards and offered porch pick-up of new toys and games. I have seen so many foster families sharing resources with each other and making beautiful memories together during these unprecedented times. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!

That said, children always need safe homes and at-risk families/foster families always need support.

Not everyone can foster, but what can we do to help?

Inspired by Michelle Vernon who founded “Adoption Sunday” and recently spoke at the Upstate’s annual Refresh Conference, here are just a few ways to get involved:

Meet One Need

Sponsor a graduate through SC DSS (Contact: IndependentLiving@dss.sc.gov)
Donate gently used/new equipment, diapers, formula, or children’s clothing to organizations that help clothe foster children such as Greenville Foster Share Support, Grace Closet/Foster Support Closet, Greenville County Foster Parent Association, PS I love you, and Miracle Hill.
Donate to Safe Families for Children, an alternative to foster care that helps keep vulnerable families intact. Throughout 2020, your gift will be matched up to $1,000/donor.
Make a celebration basket for moms reuniting with their child, sponsor a child, mentor, tutor, or donate at Fostering Great Ideas.
Donate support in Oconee and Pickens County through Fostering Faithfully.
Volunteer to offer a business service to foster families at a discount or for free (Thornwell: volunteer@thornwell.org). Donate smoke detectors or bunkbeds to families that are in the process of getting licensed to foster. Or Donate to feed children in need at the Child Development Center families, Thornwell Charter School families.
Volunteer with A Home for Me, a fostering and adoption network.
Purchase a #ShareFostering t-shirt to support Care2foster.

Encourage One Family

Start a support team at your church to take meals to local foster families or help with lawn care.
If you personally know a foster family that is struggling, offer to create a meal or grocery chain for them using a service like TakeThemaMeal.com (it’s easy!).
If you know a family who is struggling, ask the parents how you can help. Offer to pray for them or drop off groceries! You never know how that might help those children during a time of high pressure and isolation.
Volunteer as a mentor or coach through Safe Families for Children

Be One More Family

Get licensed to provide “respite care.” Respite care refers to a family caring for a foster child for a short amount of time, which enables the foster parent to take a break. Try any of the agencies below.
Get licensed to become a foster parent. Here are some agencies that can help you get started:
- The Bair Foundation (private agency - also offers therapeutic option)
- Thornwell (private agency & children’s home)
- Miracle Hill (private agency & children’s home)
- Heartfelt calling (DSS)
- Connie Maxwell (private agency & children’s home)
- Growing Home Southeast
- Lutheran Services Carolina
- The Mentor Network
- New Foundations Home for Children
- SAFY
- SCYAP
- Nightlight Christian Adoption and Foster Services
Volunteer as a host family with Safe Families for Children, a non-profit that helps keep vulnerable families intact.
For more ideas on how to get involved with your church, see this 3-step plan, adapted with permission from a church resource created by Michelle Vernon who founded “Adoption Sunday” and recently spoke at the Upstate’s annual Refresh Conference.

If you are already a foster parent and need to connect with more foster support in the Upstate, check out the Greenville County Foster Parent Association and Greenville Foster Share.