In California, there are more than 62,000 youth living in foster care and more than 34,000 waiting for a permanent family. In Sacramento County alone, there are less than 2,000 foster youth in need of a loving and affirming home.
Each November during National Adoption Month, Sacramento County reminds the community that you can make a difference in the life of a child by becoming a resource family. These resource parents, once known as foster parents, provide love, parental care, guidance and stability to children until they can either return to their parents or are provided a permanent home through adoption or guardianship.
Whether you are married or single, gay or straight, a homeowner or a renter, an aunt, teacher or simply a loving person that wants to positively impact the life of a child, Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services hopes more people in our community will consider fostering a child.
Hundreds of new resource families are needed so that children and youth can live with a caring family in a home-based setting rather than in a group home. The more families who can open their doors to our children, the better. In particular, the County is looking for families who are able to foster teenagers, LGBTQ youth, African-American children, children with medical needs, emergency/last-minute placements and homes for sibling sets.
Sacramento County supports, trains and offers guidance, support and assistance to resource families to make sure the journey is a positive transition. While reuniting children with their biological families is the primary goal, when that is not possible, staff can help resource parents adopt or take legal guardianship without having to undergo another approval process. This creates a continuous care experience for children who will no longer have to switch homes at the point of adoption.
On Nov. 15, we pause our busy lives long enough to speak the names of thousands of California children who are waiting in foster care for the love and support of a permanent family. Sacramento County, along with adoption agencies, are hosting the 30th Annual Calling Out of Names at the State Capitol, Hearing Room 444, from 9:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
During the seven-hour vigil, adoptive parents, child advocates, community leaders and elected officials will continually read the names and ages of every child in California currently waiting for families. Some names have been read year after year.
“This powerful vigil for the community helps us to come together annually to raise awareness and hope for children who are awaiting permanent homes in Sacramento County and throughout California,” said Michelle Callejas, Sacramento County Director of Child, Family and Adult Services.
Participating foster family agencies and sponsors:
