Slightly more than a decade ago, 52,000 children were in the custody of the State of Illinois.
Over the years that number dropped considerably -- to nearly 16,000 -- due to relatives stepping up to keep families together. However, African-Americans still dominate the group, said a spokesman for the Department of Children and Family Services.
As of April 30, there were 15,912 children statewide in foster care. In Cook County, there were 6,816. Of that county total, 79 percent are African-American, according to DCFS spokesman Kendall Marlowe.
Foster care is the temporary placement of children outside their homes due to abuse, neglect or dependency. Wards of the state are either in non-relative foster homes, homes with a relative, or in group homes or centers.
Marlowe: "The ultimate goal is to return the child home once issues are resolved. When that’s not an option, the department advocates for subsidized guardianship or seeks adoption for the child."
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Fewer kids in foster care than a decade ago
Over the years that number dropped considerably -- to nearly 16,000 -- due to relatives stepping up to keep families together. However, African-Americans still dominate the group, said a spokesman for the Department of Children and Family Services.
As of April 30, there were 15,912 children statewide in foster care. In Cook County, there were 6,816. Of that county total, 79 percent are African-American, according to DCFS spokesman Kendall Marlowe.
Foster care is the temporary placement of children outside their homes due to abuse, neglect or dependency. Wards of the state are either in non-relative foster homes, homes with a relative, or in group homes or centers.
Marlowe: "The ultimate goal is to return the child home once issues are resolved. When that’s not an option, the department advocates for subsidized guardianship or seeks adoption for the child."
Full Article and Source:
Fewer kids in foster care than a decade ago
I am glad to see the numbers dropping.
ReplyDeleteI also hope more people who can't have natural children, choose adoption.
I wonder what the statistics are of how many children actually get to return home.
ReplyDeletePersonal responsibility is on the rise - very good news and I hope this continues for the sake of our children, our future, our society.
ReplyDeleteThis appears to be a very good trend.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many foster care horror stories. I am pleased to see a positive story about foster care for a change.
ReplyDeleteThis is surprising considering that relatives of foster children often can't get them out of foster care.
ReplyDelete