In Arizona, there’s a great need for compassionate foster parents to step forward, including for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This National Foster Care Month, at RISE Services, Inc. Arizona, we’re spotlighting how becoming a foster parent or professional parent is an opportunity to make a real impact through empathy in action. Let’s explore together what fostering means and how you can help transform lives in Arizona.
The State of Foster Care in Arizona
Across Arizona, nearly 7,600 children are in foster care, yet there are only about 3,000 licensed foster families. This means there are close to five children in care for every available foster family. The need for committed caregivers who can offer safe, nurturing homes is urgent and ongoing.
Fostering is Empathy in Action
Fostering is a journey rooted in empathy and guided by action. As a foster parent, you open your home and heart to children who need stability, compassion, and understanding. It’s about listening, being present, and advocating for their needs, while providing encouragement and support each day.
Fostering means taking purposeful steps to nurture a child’s growth, building trust, and offering the consistency that helps them thrive. With every act of care, big or small, you show empathy in action, making a lasting difference in their lives.
What It Means to Foster with RISE Arizona
At RISE Services, Inc. Arizona, we understand that fostering children and youth with IDD comes with unique considerations and rewards. That’s why we provide comprehensive supports for every step of your fostering journey:
- Thorough Training: Our foster families receive specialized training to support children with IDD.
- 24/7 Help: Support is always available whenever you need advice, encouragement, or answers to questions.
- Advocacy: Your Family Support Specialist will assist with paperwork, help prepare your home for licensing, and visit your home as part of the home study process. They’re also there to advocate for your child’s needs at meetings, court hearings, and other important gatherings.
- Ongoing Guidance: Our team remains alongside you, attending key meetings and connecting you with resources in your community.
Who can become a foster or professional parent? At RISE Services, Inc. Arizona, we welcome single and two-parent households and celebrate diversity without discrimination related to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disabilities.
Join the Movement This National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month is about empathy, action, and coming together to create brighter futures for Arizona’s children. If you’ve ever thought about fostering or want to learn more about supporting children with IDD, contact RISE Arizona today. Together, we can take action and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in foster care.
