When you think of the word “home” what are some thoughts that come to mind? Sitting around the dinner table, laughing, and catching up with your family? Having a comfortable bed to sleep in after a long day? Celebrations shared and fond memories created with loved ones? All of these things come to my mind when I think of home. But what may seem like a typical idea of home for most people, is not the case for thousands of children in Washington state.

According to Fostering Success Foundation data there are currently 10,364 children in the foster care system in Washington state who have been removed from their family and home. Some of these children stay in hotels for days with social workers until placement is found. Some children bounce from one home to another night after night, not even getting a chance to unpack before they move once again. Washington state, just like many other states has seen a continual rise of children entering the foster care system over the years. With this increase there is a higher need for families in the community to step up and advocate for vulnerable children in need by becoming licensed foster parents and providing a safe home for these children.

God’s heart is for the fatherless and ours should be too.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” -Psalm 82:3

We may not be able to control the number of children that get removed from their homes. But we can play a role in preventing children from experiencing further trauma of moving from one home to another due to lack of foster homes. We can open our hearts and our homes either temporarily or permanently to provide the care, stability, comfort, and love that children long for. We can be a safe haven for children at a time when they need it most.

If you have a heart for foster children in our community and are interested in becoming a licensed foster parent, adoptive parent, or respite care provider please e-mail us at [email protected] for more information on how you can become licensed with us. We would love to have you join our wonderful group of foster parents!

Home from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.