There are currently 30,000 children in foster care in Los Angeles County. 1,400 of these children are awaiting adoptive families. The average time a child should remain in foster care is 24 months, we are seeing that many children are surpassing this time frame. The number one goal in foster care is reunification, but in the event it’s not possible the goal becomes permanency. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many foster families in a state of confusion. Due to the closure of the courthouses many hearings have been pushed back until early 2021. Many of these children have been in care well over two-years and deserve permanency. This closure has also had a huge impact on birth parents who are waiting to reunify with their children. For the parents who are working their plan this can be very discouraging. We understand that this is a strain for all parties involved, but as foster parents are number one concern is the mental/ emotional state of these children. We know at this time it is impossible to physically hear all these cases, but the goal of this petition is to request that the remaining hearings be heard virtually or even over conference call. Our hope is that a solution will be put in place as soon as possible so that we are able to push forward in giving these kids the stability they need. We thank you for the constant support thus far, and as foster families we will continue our part in supporting these children in every way possible. Thank you!