RENO, Nev. (Mynews4.com & KRNV)- "We are in desperate need of foster homes and adoptive homes," said Mikie Franklin, Social Work Supervisor for Washoe County's Department of Social Services.
Currently, 72 children who have been removed from their homes are staying at the Kids Kottage in Reno. Police or Social Workers bring children to Kids Kottages after they have been removed from their families because of violence, abuse or neglect . They are temporary homes operated 24 hours a day. "It's sad because it's not a family. It's not a home environment," said Franklin.
Finding a temporary home for these children and teens. can be difficult for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is a big commitment. Another reason, many children at the shelter right now have a multiple brothers and sisters. "It's hard to find foster families who can take large sibling groups," said Franklin.
Franklin says they are now reaching out to the community and recruiting foster parents. They have put up an on line video to dispel some of the myths or fears potential parents might have. "If there are people out there that have room in the home or heart for a big group of kids or just really amazing kids, they should call us."
Washoe County’s Department of Social Services will provide a Have a Heart Foster Care Workshop Tuesday, Feb. 12, for all individuals and couples interested in the program.
To learn more about foster care and training to be a foster parent, the WCSSD has posted a recruitment video that answers many frequently asked questions. Visit www.haveaheartnv.org for information and call (775) 337-4470 to sign up for the workshop.
