Arizona Needs more foster families – and foster families need a Boost!

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (“DCS”) issues semi-annual child welfare reports reflecting statistics for Arizona’s children in foster care.  The most recent report shared heartbreaking data regarding the number of licensed foster homes.

At March 31, 2018, there were 5,213 licensed foster homes in Arizona.  Over the ensuing three years this number has declined 30% – to 3,593.  When you contrast this with a mere 3% decline in the number of children in out-of-home care, the obvious conclusion is that Arizona needs more foster families.

Over the years, I’ve received many inquiries from caring community members who were seeking opportunities to assist the foster care population.  My response has always been to research and explore existing organizations, looking for ways to collaborate and work together rather than recreate the wheel.  When I first met with Jenny Cook and Michelle Noe, I was impressed that this spirit of cooperation was at the front of their minds.  They sought ways to provide additional resources to augment what was already available from established charities.  They formed BOOST, a Foster Family (“Boost”) in 2016 to remove the financial hurdles of foster care for relative placements.

Almost half of the children in foster care in Arizona are placed with relatives in what is referred to as a kinship placement.  By far, the greatest segment of this population is grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.  I have had the privilege to meet many kinship providers who, despite age, physical and economic challenges, willingly took on the responsibilities of being there for children in need.

Imagine getting that call from the DCS to tell you that your grandchildren are in need of love and safety.  The desire to help is there, but the ability to buy the things you need to make your house ready may not be, especially if you’re living on a fixed income and have no time to prepare for the children’s arrival.  A bunk bed for the multiple children, help with a pool fence, a car seat for the little one – all these and more are items that grandma and grandpa can get help from Boost to acquire.

Michelle is a foster mom who witnessed first-hand the burdens faced by kinship foster families: Do you have enough smoke detectors, the right kind of magnetic cabinet locks or a ring buoy for your pool?  Has your well water been tested?  The Office of Licensing and Regulation has a myriad of requirements. Michelle sought help from her former licensing worker, Jenny, and together they realized the challenges faced by kinship foster families and sought to make the road a little easier.

Since 2016, Boost has helped kinship families by providing support when it’s needed most.  In 2020 they served 1,060 families, making placement a reality for 2,162 children by providing services and shipping products directly to families all over the State of Arizona.  They’ve been doing their part to achieve their vision that children will be placed in a safe environment with family, and families will have the necessary resources to care for the children.

Dan Shufelt, the former CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, has been involved in the charity world as an executive and grant maker for many years.

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