Foster families play a crucial role in North Carolina, providing essential care and support for children who cannot live with their biological families due to various reasons such as abuse, neglect, or other family crises. These families open their homes and hearts, offering a stable and nurturing environment that helps children navigate through challenging times. The significance of foster families is profound, not only in offering immediate safety but also in contributing to the long-term well-being of children and the broader community.
“You can see that security [you give them], because that’s a scarce thing to them. When they find it [in you] it’s huge…you can see it’s impact and it’s profound ” Patty, an Omni Family Services foster mother
In North Carolina, the need for foster families is continually pressing. According to recent statistics, there are thousands of children in the foster care system at any given time in the state. These children range in age from infants to teenagers and come from diverse backgrounds, necessitating a variety of foster homes that can meet their specific needs. Foster parents provide more than just a temporary home; they offer emotional support, advocacy, and the chance for children to maintain a sense of normalcy during tumultuous periods.
“If there was one thing I would tell people who were considering fostering: Step out. Just try it.”
The role of foster families is not an easy one. It demands patience, commitment, and resilience. Foster parents must navigate complex emotions and behaviors, work with biological families and social workers, and often advocate for the child’s educational and health-related needs. Despite these challenges, the rewards of fostering are immense. Foster parents often report profound personal growth and the joy of making a significant difference in a child’s life. Moreover, fostering can lead to adoption, providing a permanent solution for some children who are unable to reunite with their biological families.
“Every child deserves a safe and loving home,” says Adrienne Beatty, Trillium’s Director of Network Development, “We want to be sure the families in our communities feel supported in providing that home.”
Supporting the foster care system and foster families in North Carolina is critical. This is where organizations like Omni Family of Services come into play. Omni Family of Services operates across multiple states, including North Carolina, offering a range of programs that support children and families involved in the foster care system. Their services are vital in recruiting, training, and supporting foster families throughout their journey.
Omni Family of Services in North Carolina works diligently to ensure that foster parents are not alone in their journey. They provide comprehensive training that equips foster parents with the skills needed to handle various situations that might arise while fostering. This training covers essential topics such as trauma-informed care, which is crucial given that many children in foster care have experienced traumatic events. Beyond training, Omni offers ongoing support through case management, where foster families can receive guidance and assistance at any time. This support is invaluable in helping foster families manage the challenges and rewards that come with fostering.
Furthermore, Omni Family of Services advocates for foster families and children at the state and local levels. They work to improve foster care policies and practices, ensuring that foster parents have the resources they need to provide the best possible care. Their advocacy efforts also focus on raising awareness about the critical need for more foster families in North Carolina, aiming to encourage more individuals and families to step forward.
Omni Family of Services’ foster and adoption programs serve children in placement because of abuse or neglect, and the resulting behavior from exposure to such trauma.
The impact of foster families in North Carolina is undeniable. They are often the unsung heroes in the community, providing critical support during a child’s most vulnerable times. With the support of organizations like Omni Family of Services, foster families are better equipped to offer the safe, loving, and stable environments that these children desperately need. As more people become aware of the importance and impact of fostering, it is hoped that more will be inspired to open their homes and hearts to children in need, further strengthening the fabric of communities across North Carolina.
Omni Family of Services (formerly Omni visions) has joined with Trillium, to help supply potential NC foster parents with the resources they need in counties across the state:
- Dare
- Halifax
- Hyde
- Hertford
- Martin
- Nash
- Northhampton
- Pamlico
- Tyrell
- Washington
