Unique challenges children and foster care agencies are facing during COVID-19
May was National Foster Care Month. According to the Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children & Families, National Foster Care Month is “a time to recognize that we can each play a part in enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care." With more than 430,000 children in our nation’s foster care system, however, the need to speak up on behalf of these children and their families, as well as to prayerfully consider what role God might have for us in meeting their needs, continues throughout the year. Because of the unique challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic and state and local lockdowns, that need becomes perhaps even more urgent than ever before. When schools are shut down, many children, who experience abuse and neglect at home, lose their only safe place, a place where caring adults can see, hear about, and report signs of maltreatment to authorities who can help these children achieve the safety, permanency, and well-being they need and deserve. When the lockdowns are fully lifted, and schools reopen, we can expect an influx of children into the foster care system. The question is, will loving, safe families be waiting to welcome these children into their homes? Will others surround and support those families who do take children into their homes? The Church has an opportunity, and a calling, to learn about and meet the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable children and their families.
John Moore, member of Redeemer Anglican, Richmond, VA, is a leading advocate for adoption and foster care on a local and national level. Click the video above to hear about some of the unique challenges children and foster care agencies are facing during COVID-19 and opportunities to help. And click below to learn more:
Christian Alliance for Orphans (national and state organization)
Patty's Hope (local organization and Redeemer's missional partner)
John's articles: