May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services is seeking resource (foster) parents for children who have been removed from their homes and families because of abuse or neglect..
Division Director Samantha Crimm of Eupora works with Rescue 100, a faith-based program that recruits, trains and support foster parents. She provided this information about becoming a foster parent in a question-and-answer format:
* What is Rescue 100 is and its function for communities in the area?
Many people are not aware of the foster care crisis that we have in Mississippi. We have approximately 3,700 children in foster care. There’s a shortage of foster homes in Mississippi. We need safe, loving temporary homes for children.
When MDCPS takes a child into foster care, if possible, we want the child to remain in their familiar surroundings, such as their same daycare, same school system and same church. If MDCPS cannot find a relative to place the child with, we place the child in a licensed non-relative foster home. And there’s not enough licensed non-relative foster homes in Mississippi.
The licensure program that helps license non-relative foster homes is called Rescue 100. Rescue 100 is a faith-based initiative. Its purpose is to recruit, train, license and support foster parents.
Rescue 100 is a collaborative effort between the MDCPS, the courts and churches representing all denominations across the state of Mississippi. These organizations work together to streamline the training and licensing process for foster families.
* What can the local churches do to help Rescue 100?
What better way than to start in our churches with our most vulnerable children. So many people are not aware of the foster care crisis that we have in Mississippi.
I ask that the churches commit to praying for our children and families in need. Pray for the workers handling these situations. Pray that the needs of our children be met. Pray that peoples will open their hearts and homes to these children and families in need. There are approximately 7,500 churches in Mississippi and if one family from each church would become a license foster parent, this would end our shortage of homes.
I do realize that not everyone is called to be a foster parent, but there is something that everyone can do. We need resources for our foster children and families. An example is if a child is brought into a foster care, it would be wonderful if the church family could provide meals for the foster family during the adjustment period.
Also, another example of support is if you have a talent, such as piano, guitar if you are willing to give free lessons to a child that would be great. Things like this can really be up lifting to a foster child and build their self-esteem. These are just some examples of how we can reach out to a child in need.
* Who qualifies to become a foster parent?
Are legal Mississippi residents
Are 21 years of age or older
Are legally married or legally single; unrelated adults are not permitted to live within the home.
Have no more than four children in the home
Can pass a criminal background check
Can support themselves financially
Can show physical and emotional stability to care for children placed in the home
* What is the process in becoming a licensed foster parent?
If someone is interested in becoming a licensed foster parent, the first step is to attend an orientation.
You can email rescue100@mdcps.ms.gov on how to register for an online orientation session. One may also call 769-798-3586, visit www.mdcps.ms.gov/Rescue100 or Facebook/Rescue100.
