Jones County seeks more foster families to help children remain close to home
Jones County officials are seeking additional foster families to provide temporary, stable homes for children who cannot safely remain with their biological families.
Six children from Jones County are currently in foster care, while fewer than 10 licensed foster homes are available within the county, according to Jones County Department of Social Services Director Dr. Chris Meadows.
“We are grateful for these foster parents and appreciate their continued commitment to children,” Meadows said.
The limited number of licensed homes can make it difficult to place children within Jones County. When a local placement is unavailable, children may experience additional disruption by being placed outside their community.
“When a child is separated from their home and set to enter foster care, trauma often occurs,” Meadows said. “A foster family in Jones County will offer the child the opportunity to remain close to home, which causes less of a disruption in their surroundings and routines.”
Local placements can allow children to remain in the same school and maintain connections with teachers, friends and other community members. They can also help children remain closer to their biological families while social workers and families work toward reunification.
“An increase in foster families in Jones will enable children to remain familiar with their community and limit disruption,” Meadows said. “Having more foster families in Jones County would be incredible and aid immensely in the ultimate goal of family reunification.”
Prospective foster parents do not have to be married, wealthy or homeowners. Single adults who are at least 21 years old may qualify, and foster parents may live in rented homes. The primary considerations are financial stability and the ability to provide a safe, supportive environment for a child.
“One of the greatest challenges in recruiting foster families is the misconceptions surrounding foster care,” Meadows said. “Many people believe that they must own a home, be married and have a high income. However, this is not the case.”
Applicants must complete background checks and meet North Carolina’s foster home licensing requirements. The process includes orientation, pre-service training, a home inspection and a safety assessment.
Training helps prospective foster parents understand childhood trauma, the effects of separation from biological parents and the behaviors and needs children may have after entering foster care. Licensed foster parents also receive continued training and support.
Prior parenting experience is not required.
“Some also think that they need to have a great deal of parenting experience, but with consistent training and guidance, prospective foster parents will gain these skills and more,” Meadows said.
Another misconception is that foster parents are expected to adopt the children placed in their homes. Foster care is generally intended to be temporary, with reunification remaining the primary goal when it can be accomplished safely.
“The primary goal of foster parenting is to provide a temporary, safe location for the children until reunification with the family can be achieved,” Meadows said.
Foster parents receive financial reimbursement to help cover the costs of caring for a child. The reimbursement is not intended to serve as a primary source of income, but foster parents are not expected to personally absorb all expenses related to the child’s care.
Foster families also work with a team that may include social workers, teachers, counselors, therapists, attorneys and members of the child’s biological family when appropriate.
Jones County Consolidated Health and Human Services supports the Community Closet, which collects donated clothing and provides it to county residents at no cost. The closet is also available as a resource for foster families who need children’s clothing.
Residents who are not prepared to become licensed foster parents may still assist by supporting existing foster families or working with organizations serving children and their families.
Those interested in becoming foster parents or learning more may call the Jones County Department of Social Services at 252-448-2581 or visit the department at 418 N.C. 58 North, Unit D, in Trenton.
