A new initiative in Fairfield County seeks more foster families, focusing on helping children with mental health needs stay closer to home for better care.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio — A new initiative — Foster the Future Alliance — is bringing together Fairfield County and South-Central Ohio Job and Family Services to recruit more foster families. Specifically, they need more families who can help children with mental or behavioral health issues.
For Ike and Melinda Carr, who have fostered children for six years, the decision changed their lives.
“We love children and it’s given us an opportunity to help kids, but not only kids but the families too,” said Ike.
Fairfield County Job and Family Services says it needs more families like the Carrs.
“We have kids right now placed all over the state of Ohio and we are hoping to bring some of them back closer to home and keep them with the services here in Fairfield County,” said Dave Henwood, child and youth permanency manager of Fairfield County Job and Family Services.
Henwood said many children with mental or behavioral health needs end up living far from home, which complicates their care.
“When they come back home, they have to reset and do everything a second time. We lose lots of the progress they made,” Henwood said.
He said keeping children closer to home helps maintain critical connections.
“Being able to keep them here keeps them in their schools, keeps them linked with mental health providers, extracurricular activities,” Henwood said.
Fairfield County is seeking 15 to 20 additional foster families for children. They are also looking for more foster families for all kids. The need is statewide.
“It’s an opportunity to change the trajectory of a kid’s life by being a foster parent that gives you the ability to affect them and affect their families in a positive way,” said Henwood.
The Carrs say fostering has been one of the most meaningful decisions they’ve made.
“We get to be a support for these family members if they are having problems, they may not have the family to back them up and help them, but we can step in,” said Melinda.
“It’s a challenge sometimes, but it’s been absolutely the most rewarding thing we can do,” said Ike.
Fairfield County’s ultimate goal is reunification, and the Carrs have experienced that success. But just last weekend, they added a permanent member to their family — and they plan to continue fostering.
“It’s a life-changing experience for the whole family. It’s positive. The outcome is very rewarding,” said Melinda.
“We have had our football team in foster kids and it’s amazing to do that and pour out the love we have for them,” said Ike.
If you would like to learn more about Fostering a child, visit https://www.fcjfs.org/kinship-foster-adoption-services.html