There are many reasons behind the need, importance, and impact of fostering. When considering foster care, every individual or family who chooses to foster has a personal “why”, a motivation that led them to begin their journey. Though these reasons vary from family to family, understanding the “why” is a crucial part of considering becoming a foster parent.
Take, for example, Ms. Jeanie Baird. She had considered fostering for years but was always hesitant, worried it wasn’t the “right time.” Eventually, she realized there would never be a perfect time and turned her consideration into action. Jeanie shared that her desire to foster stemmed from witnessing the need in our community and seeing close friends make a difference through fostering. Observing the powerful impact that care, love, and support can have on a child inspired her to take the next step. Jeanie’s “why” has led her to pursue becoming a licensed foster parent with our agency.
Her story is just one of many that illustrate the deeply personal motivations behind the decision to foster.
The Urgent Need for Foster Homes
In 2023, there were approximately 5,600 licensed foster homes in North Carolina—around 1,000 fewer than there were before the pandemic in 2019. At the same time, there were more than 10,000 children in foster care across the state. This gap highlights the critical shortage of foster homes and the urgent need for more families to step up.
The need for foster care has always been significant, but now it is greater than ever.
Beyond Numbers: The Emotional Need
While the shortage of foster homes is evident, what is equally pressing is the emotional need—the love, structure, and support that children in foster care desperately require. These children have experienced trauma that has deeply affected their development. This trauma can lead to identity struggles, feelings of worthlessness, and seeking validation in harmful ways.
Many children in foster care believe they are a problem, a burden, or an inconvenience—even to the foster parents trying to support them. But a nurturing foster home can change that narrative. When children are truly seen and understood in the context of their trauma, they begin to believe they are worthy of love and capable of more. They can start to see themselves not as statistics, but as individuals full of promise.
The Statistics Children in Foster Care Face
The statistics tied to foster youth are heartbreaking:
- 60% of young men in foster care will be incarcerated.
- Nearly 70% of young women in foster care will become pregnant before age 21.
- 50% of foster youth will struggle with drug or alcohol abuse.
- 97% will not earn a college degree.
These numbers reflect the realities children face, but they are not the full story. Foster parents have the power to disrupt these patterns.
Be the Difference
By fostering a child in North Carolina, you can help change their story. You can be the person who helps a child feel seen, valued, and supported. You can be the difference between a child becoming another statistic or a success story.
Statistically, children in foster care face immense challenges, homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, but you can be the one who helps them rise above. This is why you should consider fostering: because there are children who need someone exactly like you.
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”
— Josh Shipp
