17,000. The number is remarkable. Over 17,000 children in the care and custody of the state of Arizona. The number is staggering, the need is great. The state has contracted with twenty-nine agencies to recruit and license foster parents for this crisis. Of those twenty-nine, six list themselves as faith-based. Six. That’s just 20% of the state’s contracted agencies targeting their recruitment at Christians.
That means that 80% of families are recruited from among the general population. The very children we are responsible to rise up and care for. The children we will hold an account for when our days are done, are not being cared for by us.
This is no easy task. This is no easy calling. But we will not be measured against its difficulty, we will be measured against our willingness to obey. And there is hope for this generation of children in state care. The first step toward foster parenting is an easy one! Simply attend or host an information meeting. These orientations are one hour long and will give you valuable information about becoming a licensed foster parent. Orientations are held monthly and listed on our calendar. They can also be privately scheduled for your church or group. Contact us today to find out more!
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