UNDERSTANDING THE CRISIS
Arizona has been in a child welfare crisis for over five years. A number of compounding factors has led to a significant increase of the number of children in care and an exponential increase in the children in group homes. This situation for children and families in crisis has had many devastating effects and is extremely costly to the state and our communities.
The good news is that thousands of people from churches across the state are rising up and banding together to step in the gap. Read some stats and quotes below to help grow your understanding of the crisis and hopefully motivate you to be part of the solution in some way.
FOSTER CARE
“We are so thankful we didn't allow the fear of the 'temporary' prevent us from engaging in a ministry that is making an eternal impact.”
— Bethany (Arizona Foster Mom)
“Foster care required that we open ourselves to the risk of loving kids that may not be with us forever; trusting that God would be enough for us in the loss and that He was writing a beautiful story for our family.”
— Ryan & Suzan (Arizona Foster Parents)
Adoption
“We don't see you as a problem, we see you as an opportunity.”
— Rodney (Adoptive Dad of Teen)
The goal for every child in care is permanency, either with their family of origin or another safe and loving home,
Could You Be That Family?
Reunification
“To see these children go home, there is no greater high.”
— Judge Clark
“The toughest part of the reunification process is the uphill climb but if you keep fighting and never give up then you reap the rewards.”
— Emily (Reunified Arizona Mom)
Teens
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”
— Josh Shipp (former foster teen)
