Although 40 percent of all foster children are between the ages of 13 and 21, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it can be more difficult for older children to find foster homes.
The Central Coast office of Aspiranet, a social services agency headquartered in San Francisco, will hold a Community Outreach Open House on June 2 at 200 S. 13th St., suite 101, in Grover Beach to address the large need in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties for foster parents for older children.
At the open house, a panel of experts, foster parents, and children will gather to discuss their experiences of the foster care system.
“Older children and teens need just as much love and guidance as younger children do,” Vernon Brown, chief executive officer of Aspiranet, said in a press release. “One of Aspiranet’s fundamental goals is to provide a lasting connection for each and every foster child, regardless of their age.”
Aspiranet ensures each child is placed with a family that meets his or her individual needs. After the placement process, foster parents receive training, counseling, and constant support and guidance. Aspiranet also provides the foster parents with educational programs.
“In 2010, we placed more than 700 children and teens with safe and loving foster families, but we know that on any given day there are thousands more young people in California waiting for a foster family to call their own,” Brown said in the release.
With 35 core programs, Aspiranet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has 44 satellite centers in California. For more than 30 years, Aspiranet has focused on six areas of expertise: family services, foster care, adoption, education, after-school programs, and community partnerships.
The open house will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. To RSVP, call 473-8760. For more information on Aspiranet, visit aspiranetheroes.org.
Intern Sarah Parr compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 2-9, 2011.