With May being National Foster Parent Appreciation Month, the Children’s Bureau announced Tuesday an online orientation for those wanting to foster a child, officials said.   

The Children’s Bureau is now offering an online foster-adoption orientation for individuals or couples who are interested in helping children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or to provide legal permanency by adoption, according to Children’s Bureau officials.

The current health crisis has accelerated the need for resource parents to help local at-risk youth stay in their communities.

In Los Angeles County alone, the foster care population exceeds 21,000 children with 200 of those foster children waiting for an adoptive family, according to officials. 

Many of these children are siblings in need of families who are willing and able to keep them together. 

In fact, the Children’s Bureau turns away at least 10 sibling sets weekly due to lack of families, according to officials.

“Being a resource parent lets you help someone in their time of need. You’re the support system for a child and for their parents,” said Brittany, who with her husband Jeremy, foster-adopted two sibling children.  

The couple has three biological children and knew that fostering was something they wanted to do.  

“Children’s Bureau has been there to help get us through the challenging times and to celebrate the special moments, especially when the adoption of our two children was finalized,” Jeremy added. 

To watch Brittany and Jeremy’s story click here.

Children’s Bureau welcomes every individual regardless of race, age, religion, disability, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to become a resource for children. 

Qualifying families receive training and support throughout their journey.  

For questions or to get started, call 800-730-3933 or click here to complete an inquiry form.

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