Teens in need of foster homes
By Jim Casey, Peninsula Daily News
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That's because of a lack of foster homes in Clallam County, which means that the teens must be sent to nearby counties.
The need for foster families always is great, Colleen Robinson of Families for Kids said Wednesday, but it's critical now for teens.
Families for Kids, a division of Lutheran Community Services NW, recruits and works to retain foster homes in Washington.
Of 71 licensed foster homes in Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim, only 20 are eligible to take adolescents.
Even places in those homes may have been filled by younger children, Robinson said.
Five other homes for teens closed in the last several months because of circumstances such as marriage or moving changed the foster families.
Hundreds await adoption
Robinson spoke to the monthly meeting of the Clallam County Shelter Providers Network, a coalition of more than 50 public and private agencies that combat homelessness.
Currently, she said, 1,200 children 6 to 18 years old are eligible for adoption in Washington state.
Foster homes receive financial support, medical coupons and help to acquire child care furnishings and equipment, formula, clothing and other needs.
"What it takes to be a foster parent is basically a heart and desire and a love for children," she said.
Parents must pass health tests, undergo three home visits and complete paperwork, she said.
However, Robinson dismissed what she called "myths" about who cannot provide foster care:
Prospective foster parents or interested persons can call Robinson at 360-460-5560 or e-mail her at crcrir@aol.com.
More information on fostering is available at www.familiesforkids.org.
MANNA donations down
Other items from the Shelter Providers Network's meeting Wednesday included:
Bob Dunlap of MANNA said it has reduced its one-time grants to families from $100 to $75 and curtailed rent assistance.
It now focuses on helping needy people meet their utility bills, he said.
Patrick Downie, public affairs director for the Port Angeles LDS church and a program coordinator for Catholic Community Services, said he can mobilize small or large groups of volunteers for other causes.
Charities, agencies and nonprofit groups can phone him at 360-417-5640 or 360-457-1792.
According to Jody Moss, executive director of United Way of Clallam County, the goods include discontinued items, returns and merchandise whose packaging has been redesigned.
Its first distribution included toilets, flooring, mailboxes, and a bench.
For details, phone Moss at 360-451-3011.
________
Reporter Jim Casey can be reached at 360-417-3538 or at jim.casey@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: July 23. 2008 9:00PM