May is National Foster Care Month, and the need for foster families is urgent.

More than 17,000 children are within the Department of Child Safety system in Arizona. Only a fraction of these children will find a loving home. They are waiting for that moment of compassion when caring foster parents embrace them and bring protection to a vulnerable situation.

Nonprofit organizations in the Valley such as A New Leaf connect foster children with foster families. Parents are licensed and receive helpful services and support through the whole process. At the end of the day, every child deserves to be a priority.

If you can’t commit to being a foster parent, you can help in other ways. Consider mentoring a child in foster care. Volunteer for organizations that provide foster care services. Become a Court-Appointed Special Advocate to speak on behalf of neglected children in court. Or donate today to a foster care organization in your city. 

You can learn more about foster care by going to www.turnanewleaf.org or contacting the foster care staff at A New Leaf. Everyone deserves a second chance. Take action this month to celebrate National Foster Care Month and change a child’s life forever.