Front Page
Commentary
Editorial
Feature
Health
Profiles
Perspective
Legal
Real Estate
Finance
Africa News
Community

About Us
Advertising Info
Subscribe
Survey
Chat Room
Bulletin Board
Guest Book
Search

Current Weather
7-day Forecast
Traffic Map

AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILY COMISSION PAYS TRIBUTE TO FOSTER PARENTS DURING "NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH"

Recruitment of new foster parents encouraged to give children a life-line

CHICAGO:- In recognition of "National Foster Care Month" in May, and in honor of the dedicated foster parents who give children a second chance at a nurturing family, the African Family commission will pay tribute to the "Foster Parent of the year" in reception at the DuSable Museum of African American History on Thursday, May 25th form 6 to 9 p.m. The museum is located at 740 E. 56th Place. The invitation-only reception is sponsored by ABJ Community Services, Inc., Ada S. McKinley, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and South Central Community services, Inc. Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. For more information, call 312-326-0368.

The tribute will recognize people who make a difference in the lives of youngsters by providing them with caring and supportive environments to help them become productive, self-sufficient members of society. It will also encourage new foster parents to join the more than 142,000 foster families nationwide.

Natinally, since 1987 there has been a 90 percent increase in children in care while there has been a 3 percent decrease in the number of licensed family foster homes. Each year, there are over half a million children in foster care represent 52 percent of the population, the highest of any racial/ethnic group. Thirty percent of the foster care population is in the 1 to 5 years age range; 38 percent in the 6 to 12 range; and 28 percent in the 13 to 17 years age range. Babies make up approximately 4 percent of the children in foster care. For every 1,000 children under age 18, nearly 8 are in foster care.

"Foster parents are dedicated individuals who help children who may have been abused or neglected develop the self-confidence and the skills necessary to cross the bridge into young adulthood," said Terry A. Solomon, executive director of the African- American Family Commission. "It is appropriate that, during the National Foster Care Month, we draw attention to the importance of foster parents and the many organizations that provide thousands of children in Illinois with nurturing and supportive environments."

"Foster Care Month provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the African-American foster families who provide safe, stable, supportive homes for thousands of children and youth until they are returned home or to other permanent living arrangements," said Nathaniel L. Ward, event chairman. In the state of Illinois, 50 percent of the total child welfare caseload are from the 16 African-American communities in Chicago. There were 37,960 children in the foster care system in 1999, with only 18,298 licensed foster homes to help care for them.

The African-American Family commission (AAFC) is thirty-member statewide commission which advocates for and develops governmental policies, plans and programs that promote family preservation and strengthen African-American communities.

Listen to The Journalist's Soldiers of Fortune CD