Foster Parents Critically Needed in Ventura County
There is a shortage of foster care families in Ventura County. When a child is removed from their family due to abuse or neglect they end up in the foster care system. In Ventura County more children are entering the system than available foster care families to care for them. This puts the children in a less-than-ideal situation.
“We have a lot of kids in need right now and a lot of kids in need of a loving home, so we really hope that families can open their heart and set another place at the table for these kiddos because they really need it,” said Angelina McCormick Soll with Ventura County Children Family Services.
About 1,000 Ventura County children are in the foster care system.
As more children come into the system, fewer people are applying to care for them, so without a foster family to live with, many of these children end up in group homes.
“The kids are not getting that family relationship building when they are in those type of placements, which is not ideal for what children really need developmentally and emotionally,” Said McCormick Soll.
To help give these children a stable environment, Ventura County Human Services Agency is asking for caring adults to make a commitment to these children.
“We really want anybody who is interested in carrying for vulnerable children. Families that can make an unconditional loving commitment to children during a very traumatic time,” said Soll.
The Maxson family from Ventura has made that commitment. The family has been in the program for a year and a half and in that time cared for six children.
“There are tough situations, but in the end the kids need the care so, that’s why we are here doing it,” said foster dad Shaun Maxson.
The Maxsons are now in the process of adopting one of their foster children, and they are also expecting a child of their own. As their family continues to grow, they hope to continue being foster parents.
“It’s been a huge blessing,” said foster mom Amanda Maxson.
For more information on how to become a foster parent, click here.
