The Central Coast has a dire need for more local foster families.
Aspiranet is a community-based nonprofit that’s brought children and families together for 35 years. Though headquartered in San Francisco, Aspiranet has been serving the Central Coast—from Northern Santa Barbara County to all of San Luis Obispo County—for 19 years. It’s helped provide safe and loving homes to 355 Central Coast children, yet the need for families remains high.
“It’s difficult to recruit at this point because of the economy,” Central Coast director Rosalinda Rodriguez said.
Unfortunately, the Central Coast isn’t the only service region needing more foster parents.
“There is a shortage across the board,” Rodriguez explained.
Though Aspiranet is a statewide organization, its focus is local, which allows it to offer the network, resources, and innovation of a large organization but the personal touch of a small organization.
“We’re working with a team of other experts in the area, so we stay strong in what we’re accomplishing,” Rodriguez said.
Teens and sibling groups of three or more especially need foster parents, though children in all age groups are looking for homes.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent is encouraged to contact Aspiranet or visit aspiranetheroes.org to see if it would be a good fit.
Potential foster parents begin by attending an Aspiranet orientation, followed by training, background checks, interviews, and a home site inspection. The time frame is usually three months from application
to placement.
For more information, call 1-877-350-HERO.
Intern Jacob Lopez compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 30, 2010 – Jan 6, 2011.