Clarksville, TN – The sixth annual Foster Care Awareness Family Day celebration was recently held at the LEAP plaza. Despite inclement weather about 450 members of the Clarksville Community gathered together to learn about foster care and learning what it takes to become a foster parent.
Hosted by the Department of Children Services, Centerstone, Health Connect, Clarksville Family Therapy, OmiVisions, Youth Villages, Mental Health Cooperative, and the LEAP Organization, the goal of this event was to create greater awareness of children in need who remain in state custody and want to become members of foster families.
The dance floor provided an opportunity for adults to have fun along with the young people who were dancing and enjoying the music. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was represented and a repeat performance by the “dancing deputy,” Deputy Kelley Potter who reinforces the community commitment and spirit of the sheriff’s office.
There are many reasons that children and young adults are in the foster care system. They could be removed from an abusive home or unsafe living environment, or death of their biological parents and no relatives able to care for them. Foster Care Awareness Family Day was created to bring awareness to the need of additional foster parents and families.
Ryan Unsell who is a LEAP Resource Coordinator, and a product of foster care, shared his thoughts about foster families, “Though the time spent with a foster parent may be temporary, the love and opportunities they provide will last a lifetime.”
The month of May is when Foster Care Awareness is brought to the attention of the public, although the shortage of resource homes is an ongoing issue that is year round. This issue can be resolved by more members of our community becoming Foster/Resource Parents.
If you are interested in finding out about becoming a Foster/Resource Parent, these are some of the requirements posted on the Department of Children’s Services Website; ( www.tn.gov/youth/fostercare/becomefosterparent.htm ) Give without the expectation of immediate returns, have room in their home and daily life, learn and use proven behavioral management skills, and love and care for children with problems.
Resource Parents can be married or single with or without children of their own. They can be employed or unemployed as long as they are able to financially able to meet their own needs. They must be in good health, over 21 years of age and be a homeowner or renter. The process consists of passing a background check, checking references, completing the required training, and participating in a home study.
For more information on becoming a resource parent call 1.877.DCS.KIDS
