Montana non-profit launches statewide movement to address foster care crisis
Mar. 21—A Montana nonprofit is calling for urgent action this May, launching a statewide movement to recruit more families to foster the thousands of children crowding the state's foster care system.
The number of children in Montana still waiting for a family currently outnumbers the families available to care for them by two-to-one. In response, Child Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to finding and equipping families to care for children who've suffered abuse and neglect, is launching a statewide recruiting initiative in honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month in May.
There are currently around 2,000 children in Montana's foster system. Without intervention, these children are at serious risk of falling victim to sex trafficking, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and homelessness, according to the National Foster Youth Institute.
"These kids aren't looking for a superhero. They're looking for you," says Eric Basye, Executive Director at Child Bridge. "You don't have to be special to change a child's life. You just have to be willing."
The movement, themed "You don't have to be a superhero to be a foster parent," seeks to dispel the myth that only extraordinary people can foster. Every child deserves a safe and stable family, and ordinary people—people just like you—can change real lives.
Starting in May, Child Bridge is calling on churches across Montana to host a Foster Awareness Sunday—a dedicated time to highlight the urgent need for foster families, share resources and encourage families to consider fostering.
By hosting a Foster Awareness Sunday, churches can play a direct role in addressing the foster care crisis and ensuring the children in their own communities find the families they desperately need.
Child Bridge believes that by mobilizing communities and families, we can break the generational cycle of trauma that currently holds our state captive.
"There's no such thing as a perfect parent, and there's never a perfect time to foster," Basye adds. "Montanans take care of Montanans and these kids need your help now."
How You Can Help
Churches: Host a Foster Awareness Sunday in May to educate and inspire your congregation.
Individuals & Families: Attend a free, virtual info meeting to learn more about becoming a foster parent.
Community Members: Spread the word. Encourage families you know to consider fostering and to learn more.
For more information about joining the movement, hosting a Foster Awareness Sunday or becoming a foster parent, please visit childbridgemontana.org or contact Mary Cloud Vander Ark.
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