Most Arizonans have heard about the ongoing crisis in the foster care system. The number of children in “out of home care” has sky- rocketed from approximately 10,000 in 2010 to more than 16,000. As an agency that is contracted to train and support foster parents, Agape understands its role in resolving this crisis. We are also firm believers that every family in the community can be a part of the solution, which is why we want to share the good news (good tidings!) that every Arizonan is able to help build strong family systems within their local communities.
We believe the best way to solve the foster care crisis is to prevent the instances of abuse and neglect which tend to lead to child removal. The good news is that YOU can make a difference in this area. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
1. Become a mentor to a stressed
mommy or daddy.
2. Offer to babysit for a family you
know needs a “date night”.
3. Support families who are
struggling financially by assisting
with the job search process or
buying groceries.
4. Share information about parenting
classes with families who need help
raising children who have challenging
behaviors. ***Agape offers several
parenting classes each month!***
5. Encourage birth mothers
experiencing crisis pregnancies to
find out more about open adoption as
an option. ***Agape has a strong
private adoption program which
promotes open adoption as the
best adoption option.***
We understand that even as we make our best efforts to support birth families, some children will still need to be placed in foster homes, and the local church is a great place to start! Within the past year, many Agape parents have reached out to their church families to share information with their pastors, staff informational tables, organize events which raise awareness about foster care, and of course, pray for Arizona’s children. Agape is proud to recognize the efforts of the Living Word Bible Church Foster Initiative, which encourages church members and the surrounding community to wear a blue ribbon to spread awareness about Arizona’s foster care crisis and donate money to sponsor specific foster children, so their needs can be met.
If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, Agape would be honored to support you on this journey. To find out more about upcoming parenting classes, foster care classes, the home study process or adoption options, contact us by completing the form below or call (480) 272-7994.
If you have ideas for spreading the GOOD NEWS about how prevention and awareness efforts like Foster Care EvANGELism can make a positive difference in creating strong family systems within local communities, please share them with us at fcevangelism@agapeaz.org, so we can share them with others. Also, during the month of May you can request a Foster Care Awareness pin by contacting our office at 480-272-7994. Together, we can make a difference for Arizona’s children!
