The number of children who are abused, neglected or taken away from families unable to give them adequate care is staggering. The Judicial Council of California reports that there are nearly half a million reports of child abuse and neglect each year in California alone. According to the Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles, this means that nearly 100 times a day, a child in California is placed in foster care. In Napa, during fiscal year 2010-11, Child Welfare Services received 1,065 referrals to investigate concerns of child abuse and neglect, of which 149 were substantiated and 77 children had to be removed from their homes.
To highlight the critical need for adoption and permanence for every child, November is annually declared National Adoptions Month. In honor of this year’s theme, “Build Capacity to Make Lasting Change,” three local leaders who are experts in the field of foster care and adoptions were interviewed: Alissa Gentille, associate director of On the Move and founding director of VOICES; Mary Butler, chief probation officer; and Linda Canan, child welfare services director. Some highlights of their remarks are summarized below; however, one column could not capture their tremendous wisdom, expertise and compassion. Look for a future column focusing on the special needs of youth aging out of foster care and the VOICES program (Voice Our Independent Choices for Emancipation Support), referred to by the San Francisco Chronicle as possibly the “country’s best model for foster care services.”
What should the public know about foster care and adoptions?
There is a widespread public misconception that children needing adoption are in other countries, but not here. Perhaps this belief comes from the sensationalism that often surrounds celebrity international adoptions, but we need to get the word out that many kids right here in Napa need a safe, loving and permanent home.
People also tend to think of babies when they think of adoption, but many teens are also in need. The benefit to a teen from a long-term commitment from caring adults is immeasurable. Everyone needs to belong. Long after you turn 18, you need the wisdom and support of adults who love you, who listen to your concerns both big and small and welcome you home for the holidays.
There needs to be greater awareness that children who are in foster care are there because of abuse and neglect, not because they did something wrong. The most common reason children in Napa end up in foster care is due to neglect resulting from parental substance abuse.
What are the most urgent needs in Napa County?
An increased number of foster and adoptive parents are needed, especially to ensure a good match for every child. For example, it isn’t known in advance what age children will suddenly require placement. Thus, having an array of foster homes available that can accommodate the different needs of children from infants to teens is essential. It is important to have the right child in the right home, not just placed where there is an available bed. We also need foster families willing to accommodate siblings, as keeping siblings together contributes to a child’s well-being, especially after the trauma of being separated from their parents. Expanded placements for teens are also urgently needed.
Family members such as aunts, uncles and grandparents of these children play a key role. Placing a child with a family member, under the same standards as standard foster care placements, benefits the child as it maintains the family connections we want for all children. It is Napa County’s long-term wish to have children either be reunified with their families, if appropriate, or exit foster care to guardianship or adoption before they turn 18. The best home is a permanent home.
What are the requirements for becoming a foster parent? What contributes to a good placement for a child?
There are many myths surrounding foster parenting, including that foster parents must be wealthy or married. The major requirement is that you have the capacity to care for and love a child. Also, you cannot be financially dependent on the offsetting funds received. You can be a renter or homeowner; you just need enough space to accommodate the child or children.
Children do best when the foster parents have empathy for what it must feel like for the child. This includes accepting the family the child came from and avoiding any disparaging remarks about the parents, as the child will hear these as rejection. Successful placements also result when children are provided love, support, encouragement and “normal” age-appropriate activities.
Those interested in becoming foster parents should call Rosa Rios at 253-4761.
Tammy Glathe is Napa County’s family court services manager.
