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BY RICHARD ROARK

TRACES Recruiter, Trainer

As May unfolds, so does the recognition of National Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of children in foster care and celebrating the individuals and families who open their hearts and homes to them. This annual observance aims to shed light on the challenges faced by children in foster care and the urgent need for more foster families across the nation.

The history of National Foster Care Month dates back to 1988 when President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed May as such. Since then, it has been a time to acknowledge the role that foster families, child welfare professionals, volunteers, and policymakers play in the lives of children and youth in foster care.

In East Tennessee, the need for foster families remains a pressing issue. According to recent data, there are hundreds of children in the region who are in need of safe and nurturing homes due to various circumstances that have led to their placement in foster care. The shortage of foster families means that many of these children may have to be placed far from their communities, schools, and support networks, exacerbating their sense of displacement and trauma.

Fostering not only provides stability and care for children during tumultuous times but also offers a range of benefits for both the children and the foster families themselves. For children, foster care can offer a lifeline, providing them with a supportive environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. Foster families, in turn, often experience profound personal fulfillment as they witness the positive impact they can have on a child’s life.

TRACES Therapeutic Foster Care, a leading foster care agency in East Tennessee, is actively seeking compassionate individuals and families who are willing to open their homes to deserving children in need. By becoming a foster family with TRACES, individuals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children while receiving comprehensive support and resources every step of the way.

As part of their outreach efforts, TRACES Therapeutic Foster Care encourages community members to display TRACES yard signs to raise awareness about the need for foster families and to follow them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram for updates and happenings.

For more information about becoming a foster parent with TRACES Therapeutic Foster Care, or to receive a yard sign to display, interested individuals can contact Richard Rourk, TRACES Therapeutic Foster Care Trainer/Recruiter, at rgrourk@frontierhealth.org or by calling 423-224-1043.

This National Foster Care Month, let us join hands to ensure that every child in East Tennessee and beyond has the love, support, and stability they deserve. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these precious children and build a brighter future for our communities.