Celebrating Success at the Foster Care Summit and How You Can Help Kentucky's Foster Care Crisis

This past weekend, the Jefferson County Foster Care Recruitment Collaborative hosted the Foster Care Summit, a powerful gathering aimed at addressing the urgent foster care crisis in Kentucky. The event brought together dedicated agencies, DCBS, and Aetna to share a common goal: working together we can increase foster homes in Kentucky.

Community members gathered at the Foster Care Summit in Jefferson County

A Gathering of Hope and Commitment

The Foster Care Summit was more than just a meeting; it was a call to action. Attendees included representatives from Benchmark, Home of the Innocents, OMNI Family Services, Operation Open Arms, SAFY, and St. Joseph Children's Home. Each agency shared insights about their work, what makes their agency unique and how they came together to address recruiting foster homes.

The event featured keynote speakers from DCBS and Aetna followed by a panel of foster parents and lived experience. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and determination, with everyone focused on one mission: to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky’s foster children.

Highlighting the Participating Agencies

Each agency brought unique strengths and perspectives to the summit:

• Benchmark

• Home of the Innocents

• OMNI Family Services

• Operation Open Arms

• SAFY

• St. Joseph Children's Home

  
  

  

Their combined efforts demonstrate the strength of collaboration in tackling Kentucky’s foster care challenges.

Understanding Kentucky’s Foster Care Crisis

Kentucky faces a significant foster care shortage. Thousands of children need safe, stable homes, but the number of available foster families falls short. There is a shortage of qualified foster families willing to take in children with complex needs.

The Foster Care Summit aimed to raise awareness about this issue and inspire community members to become part of the solution.

How You Can Make a Difference

The summit’s most important message was a challenge to everyone: Kentucky’s foster care crisis requires community involvement. Here are practical ways you can help:

• Become a foster parent

Opening your home to a child in need can change a life. Agencies like those at the summit offer training and support to help you succeed.

• Volunteer with foster care organizations

Many agencies need volunteers for mentoring, tutoring, or organizing events.

• Donate resources

Foster children often need clothing, school supplies, and other essentials. Donations help agencies provide these items.

• Spread awareness

Share information about the foster care crisis with your network to encourage more people to get involved.

Moving Forward Together

The Foster Care Summit was a step forward in addressing Kentucky’s foster care crisis. It showed that when agencies, families, and communities come together, real progress is possible. But the work does not end here.

You can be part of this ongoing effort. Whether by becoming a foster parent, volunteering, donating, or simply learning more, your involvement matters. Kentucky’s children deserve safe, loving homes, and together we can help provide them.

Thank you to all the agencies and participants who made the Foster Care Summit a success. Let’s keep the momentum going and work toward a brighter future for every child in foster care.