Helping hands: Learn about foster parenting during Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States, a time to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, with communities encouraged to work together to support families and children. We think that you can make a difference in the lives of your own neighbors!

At Bethany Christian Services, our heart beats for family. We believe that foster care is one of the greatest ways to show love and care to a child and teach a child how to connect to a family.

We want to see families strong, supported and together. But we know there are times when families face challenges — and children need care.

According to the most recent federal data, there are currently close to 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. They range in age from infants to 21 years old. The average age of a child in foster care is more than 8 years old, and there are slightly more boys than girls.

Children and youth enter foster care because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned by their parents or guardians. All of these children have experienced loss and some form of trauma. In other ways, foster children are no different from children who aren’t in foster care: They are learning and growing, like to play and hang out with friends their age, and need the love and stability a permanent home provides.

Bethany seeks to empower our neighbors to action! We invite you to enjoy time with the whole family and community and learn more about how you can protect children and support families. Join us from 1-4 p.m. April 12 at University Wine Company, 540 Misty Hill Drive, State College. To register: contact Rebekah at rhennigh@bethany.org.

We will tell you what to expect so you can be knowledgeable, prepared and equipped to meet children — right where they are — and make an informed decision whether foster parenting is right for you!