There are about 4,200 kids in Kansas who live in foster care. Many of these children need a foster home - some for a few days, some for a few weeks, and some until they are ready to tackle the world on their own.

Each of these children has a name and a smile. Some have a story that could break your heart. They are regular kids with hopes and dreams. They may also test and challenge. Many will go back home eventually. Some won't.

But for now, they need a safe place to stay.

Under Secretary Janet Schalansky, the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) - the state agency charged with providing for children placed by the courts in state custody -- has initiated a recruitment campaign aimed at finding additional foster homes. The goal of the campaign is to increase by 600 the number of family foster homes available to Kansas children.

The Kansas Catholic Conference, under the leadership of Archbishop James P. Keleher, wants to help. Archbishop Keleher announced the cooperative effort several months ago.

"As servants of God and stewards of His ministry, we must help create a promise of hope for these children," he said. "We must end the cycle of children growing up without a place to call home, without a family to provide love and support, and without a support system to help them become the unique and valuable individuals given to this world by the grace of God."

As part of the recruitment effort, a series of symposiums will be held the week of January 17 at churches in Wichita, Garden City, Kansas City, Pittsburg, Emporia, Lawrence, Olathe, Topeka, Hays, Manhattan and Salina. A complete list of symposium dates and times is attached.

Archbishop Keleher said providing foster homes for children in need is a challenge he believes many Catholic families in Kansas will accept.

"We are excited about partnering with SRS and the Children's Alliance on foster family recruitment," he said. "If you believe in a child's right to a permanent, loving family, please make a commitment to helping them find one."

Persons attending the symposiums will be able to view a new video, 'No Place to Call Home.' The 28-minute documentary-style video examines the hopes and fears of foster children and foster parents in Kansas and gives viewers a glimpse into why families choose to get involved. The video was produced by The Children's Alliance, an association of private child welfare agencies throughout the state of Kansas, through fimding from SRS. There will also be representatives of foster care agencies at the symposiums to answer questions about foster parenting.

"If you've ever wondered what motivates someone to become a foster parent, you should attend the symposium and watch the video," said Bruce Linhos, executive director of he Children's Alliance. "You'll realize it does not take a super hero to be a super foster parent. But giving children a chance at a normal life will make you a hero in their eyes."

Secretary Schalansky said the effort by the Catholic Conference to help in the recruitment drive is welcome. She pointed out that people who choose to become foster parents will be joining their neighbors, their friends, and their relatives.

"There is a special loving quality found in the wide range of people who become successful foster parents, but there the similarity stops," she said. "Each foster parent has a unique personality, background, and lifestyle."

SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE

The foster care recruitment symposium schedule ia as follows.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001