Prince George’s Launches Campaign To Find Foster Parents For Older Youth
BALTIMORE – The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services has launched an aggressive recruitment campaign to encourage more individuals and families to share time, energy, and their loving homes with a foster teen.
In Prince George’s County, 65 percent of children in care are age 12 or older. National statistics indicate that 6,000 youth “aging out” of foster care without permanent homes are likely to end up homeless. “Homelessness is not an option,” said Gloria Brown, director of the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. “This agency is committed to permanency; changing this trend and creating long lasting relationships and finding homes—one youth at a time.”
The “Change a Life. Change the World.” campaign aims to address this issue. The campaign coordinates with local government agencies, faith-based entities, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to educate and encourage county residents to participate in making positive change in the lives of older youth through forming permanent connections that include foster parenting and adopting. Outreach events including tabling at local churches and community centers as well as match parties where teens can meet various prospective foster parents in a relaxed setting.
Families interested in becoming a foster parent should plan to attend one of several monthly informational meetings held at 925 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD. For more information, call Lisa Robertson 301-909-2300.
