03/29/2024
Spread the love

At the age of 12, Karen was admitted into foster care after a report of suspected sexual abuse and neglect was reported.  The Department of Social Services investigated, found Karen to be in immediate danger, and placed her in a licensed foster home. Karen came from a home where the cabinets were often bare and the only daily meal was the one she had at school, thanks to the free lunch program.  Her mother and father were “separated” but continued spending time together using drugs, mostly every day.  Karen was often sexually abused by many people in the neighborhood, including her maternal uncle.  She skipped school often and her grades had dramatically dropped in the last two years.  Karen at twelve years of age has already experienced numerous losses; innocence, safety, parents, dreams.  Studies show that foster care often leads to health problems, addiction,  homelessness, early pregnancy ,domestic violence, arrest, incarceration, and sex trafficking. However, research also shows that childhood maltreatment interrupts healthy emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. Karen is vulnerable and needs help. She needs a foster home that will stick by her and believe in her when she feels nobody else does. She needs stability, consistency, nurturing and understanding. She needs someone to teach her skills of daily living and help her realize her talents so she knows without a doubt that she is capable, lovable, and worthwhile.  She also needs advocates who educate and bring awareness to child abuse and neglect.  You can be an advocate for Karen by attending Bladen County Department of Social Services’ next Foster/Adoptive Parenting classes and becoming a licensed foster and/or adoptive parent.

Are you wondering what the requirements are for being a foster/adoptive parent?

An Informational Meeting will be held on June 1, 2017 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and the classes will begin on June 8, 2017 and will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.  There are 10 required classes as well as a CPR/First Aid class.  The Informational Meeting and the Classes will be held at Bladen County Department of Social Services, located at 208 E McKay Street, Elizabethtown, NC  28337.  (enter at side door).

Please contact LeAnne Graham at (910) 862-6848 or Sheila Manuel at (910) 862-6830 with any questions you may have.  Hurry and reserve your seat today, there is limited space!

About Author