Within two weeks of having their first foster child reunite with his mother, Brandon and Pam Lubbert had gotten several phone calls from the Michigan Department of Human Services about taking in other children.The Buchanan couple say it’s evidence of the drastic need for more foster families in the county.
There are currently about 400 foster children in Berrien County and only 130 licensed foster parents, according to the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS).
“We are definitely always in need of more foster homes,” said Heather Hoffman, children’s services supervisor with DHS in Berrien County.
The Lubberts, who have been licensed foster parents for about a year, believe it’s difficult to find families willing to commit the time and energy into foster parenting.
“It’s not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination,” Pam said. “There are time constraints, money constraints. You have to have people that are very committed to kids.”
But, for Pam, the smile of their 7-month-old foster daughter makes it all worth it.
“They become a part of you, even after they leave. A little part of you will stay with them,” she said.
www.nilesstar.com/2011/06/15/county-in-need-of-foster-homes/
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