Significant need for foster families heightened during pandemic

BUTLER, Pa. — Social services organizations in our region are sounding the alarm about a huge need for foster families.

Advocates tell Channel 11 that they’re struggling to find foster homes, particularly for older youth. The pandemic has prompted less people to be willing or able to take in a child.

“Most definitely, we’re seeing a lot of people not wanting to open up their homes because they’re worried about illnesses,” said Sara McKinley, a placement coordinator with Family Pathways.

The Butler-based nonprofit organization works in tandem with Butler County Children and Youth Services to help place foster children with families.

Just last week, they received six calls in one day for teenagers in need of homes, but there were none to provide, McKinley said.

“It breaks my heart every single time, whenever I have to turn down a placement just because we don’t have a home open, said McKinley. “These kids, they are just sweethearts, and they just want somewhere to call home.”

Family Pathways isn’t the only organization faced with this challenge.

Johanna Belako, a supervisor with Families United Network, is seeing this all across Western Pennsylvania. She said there is “a huge push for foster homes and families that are willing to get certified for older youth, especially older youth that are part of a sibling group.”

Belako said it’s ideal to have foster families available all across the area, so children have the option of remaining within their present school district. When asked what qualifies a family to welcome a foster child, she said “any family that is willing to bring these children into their home and treat them as their own, work through the issues they may have. There is a lot of trauma involved with any child entering the foster care system, or moving through the foster care system.”

Kortney Bradley, permanency coordinator with Family Pathways, told Channel 11 that the number of children in need of a foster family has also increased during the pandemic, as some biological parents have faced new challenges. For instance, they could be struggling to provide for their children, or having a substance abuse issue or mental health challenge. Bradley said more parents are calling CYS and asking for support.

“We’re seeing kids not going to school, a lot of truancy issues, because the biological parents just don’t have the resources to get them to attend virtually,” Bradley said.

Family Pathways is holding a fun, informative event on Saturday, where people can learn more about becoming a foster parent or potentially mingle with those who already have been one.

The “carnival” event will take place within the lower parking lot of their building, located at 100 Brugh Ave. in Butler. The event is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 with food and games.