Urgent Call for Foster Families in Hillsborough County Amidst Increasing Need for Care
RUSKIN, Fla. — The growing demand for foster care placements has reached critical levels in Hillsborough County, where approximately 3,000 children are currently under the care of the local foster system. The Children’s Home Network, the largest foster care agency in the area, has identified a pressing need for additional foster families as existing caregivers retire or transition to other commitments.
Kayla Storey, a 33-year-old foster care provider based in Ruskin, has been actively involved in fostering for the past eight years. Storey emphasizes the importance of providing a nurturing environment for children in foster care, stating, “They just settle in and they can be kids, which is the goal. I just want them to be kids.” Her commitment to the well-being of foster children is evident as she strives to create a safe space where they can relax and feel secure.
Storey, who balances her role as a foster mother with a full-time job and raising her three biological children—two of whom are deaf—has provided care for over 500 foster children throughout her fostering journey. Initially starting as an emergency caregiver for the Children’s Home Network, she has recently focused her efforts on supporting adolescents, particularly young women and survivors of trafficking. In her approach, Storey collaborates closely with the biological families, prioritizing reunification whenever possible. “It’s not that they don’t have families; it’s just unfortunate circumstances that lead them to foster care,” she remarked.
Unfortunately, the scarcity of foster homes like Storey’s often results in children being placed in “congregate care” facilities or group homes, which are typically viewed as less than ideal environments for their development. Ariana Drew, Vice President of Out of Home Care at the Children’s Home Network, underscores this concern. “Even the group care providers will tell you that it’s not the first priority for the kids,” she noted, emphasizing the need for a home-like setting to truly nurture young lives.
To address the growing deficit of foster families, the Children’s Home Network offers resources and training for prospective foster parents. Drew stated, “We do weekly informational sessions that are pressure-free for families looking to learn more about fostering.” Community engagement is crucial, as they’re not only in search of foster families but also mentors and weekend caregivers to enrich the lives of children in care.
Kayla Storey, affectionately known as “Mama K” to countless foster children, encourages those considering fostering, asserting that the most important qualities are a compassionate heart and a willingness to show patience and grace. “There’s no perfect family. Just a big heart!” she declared.
Those interested in making a difference in the lives of children in the foster care system can access training through the Children’s Home Network by calling 813-847-8554 or emailing LetsFoster@ChildrensHomeNetwork.org. More information can also be found on the Children’s Home Network website.
As Hillsborough County faces an urgent need for foster homes, the involvement of local families could be pivotal in providing stable and loving environments for vulnerable children.
