Foster Care Ministries
In the state of Arizona, over 9,000 children are in state custody because of concerns about abuse or neglect. In order to address the challenges and needs of children in out-of-home care, a group of St. Thomas More parishioners have joined to form a Foster Care Support Ministry. The focus of the Foster Care Support Ministry is to reach out in love to children who have been placed in out-of-home care due to neglect, abuse and abandonment. We invite everyone in the parish to join in our efforts.
FOSTER CARE SUPPORT MINISTRY
In the state of Arizona, over 9,000 children are in state custody because of concerns about abuse or neglect.
In order to address the challenges and needs of children in out-of-home care, a group of St. Thomas More parishioners have joined to form a Foster Care Support Ministry. The focus of the Foster Care Support Ministry is to reach out in love to children who have been placed in out-of-home care due to neglect, abuse and abandonment. We invite everyone in the parish to join in our efforts.
HOW TO HELP
- Open your heart and home – become a foster parent. Infants and children through age 18 are waiting to be welcomed into a loving, safe environment. Training and support are provided. Contact Catholic Social Services at (602) 997-6105.
- Mentor a child. Be a positive influence in the life of an at-risk youth. Contact Parenting Arizona by calling 602-542-9683 ext. 260 to learn about the Special Friends mentoring program.
- Volunteer with the Arizona Supreme Court. Review court records, act as a child advocate, and make recommendations regarding care and placement. Click on CASA or Foster Care Review Board to find out about these opportunities, or call (602) 542-9683.
- <tt>Help create a Life Book. A life book is a collection of material and personal information for a child residing in long-term foster care, providing a connection to the past, a framework for the present, and hope for the future. Call the Arizona’s Children Association at 602-234-3733, ext. 111 or click on Arizona's Children Association.</tt>
- Donate gifts of time and talent by serving on the Foster Care Support Ministry leadership team. Compassionate adults with leadership and organizational skills are welcome to join us in planning the work of our parish ministry. Experience as a foster parent is especially helpful, but not necessary. If you love children and want to help, email Lynn Leonardo at <tt>lmlguard2004-fostercare(at)yahoo.com for more information, or leave a message at the parish office at 623-566-8222.</tt>
- Pray for foster children and their caregivers. Ask the Father for his loving care, both during individual, private prayer time, and when gathered with family, friends, ministry groups and the parish community. Devote time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for the intentions of foster families.
LINKS
National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning
Child Welfare League of America
National Association of Social Workers
National Foster Parent Association
Foster Angels of Arizona Serving Together, Inc.
Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Arizona Department of Economic Security
