North Carolina foster care shortage sparks new call for teachers to step up

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina needs more foster homes. A Fayetteville-based foster care agency is turning to teachers for help.

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Family Services of America is launching its Teacher Respite Initiative, asking educators across the state to provide temporary, paid care for children in foster care.

The need is significant. North Carolina has more than 11,000 children in foster care, but only about 5,800 licensed foster homes, according to Family Services of America. That shortage can leave foster families with few options when they need temporary relief.

Respite caregivers can step in during evenings, weekends, school breaks, and other short-term situations. Unlike becoming a foster parent, respite care does not require a full-time or permanent commitment.

Teachers could be a natural fit

According to Family Services of America, educators already have experience working with children and understand how to provide structure, patience and consistency.

Michelle Smith, a Cumberland County teacher and former foster parent, is among the initiative’s early advocates.

Family Service America hopes to recruit 100 teachers this summer across North Carolina, initially focusing on Cumberland, Mecklenburg, Hoke, Harnett and Nash counties, as well as surrounding communities.

Educators can choose opportunities that fit their schedules. Family Services of America will handle placement coordination and provide training and ongoing support.

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Respite caregivers can receive up to $80 per day, depending on the child’s needs. The initiative is funded through a grant from Alliance Behavioral Health and Trillium Health.

How to sign up

Teachers and other interested educators can learn more about the Teacher Respite Initiative and sign up for information through familiesofusa.com/respiteparents or call 910-860-9787.

Family Services of America was established in North Carolina in 2010 and provides foster care, case management and behavioral health services.

Back to school giveaway 

Family Services of America will begin its back-to-school giveaway Aug. 24, offering 10 twin-sized bunk beds and 30 stocked backpacks to foster families on a first-come, first-served basis.

The backpacks, called comfort cases, include pajamas, toiletries, a book, and a teddy bear or blanket. The bunk beds were donated anonymously by a local donor who wanted to support foster parents.

About 700 children are in foster care in Cumberland County, according to the Department of Social Services.

“For us, this is about stability,” Family Services of America President and Founder Shannon Battle said. “A bed gives a foster parent the ability to welcome a child into their home and a comfort case gives that child something that belongs to them during a time when so much feels uncertain.”

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