As kinship care providers, my spouse and I have personally experienced the bureaucratic inefficiencies of the Department of Human Services (DHS). Left in a state of troubling limbo, we stepped up to provide care for two children who were removed from their home due to severe issues. For over a year, we dedicated our lives to support and nurture these children twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Despite completing all the required procedures to become certified foster parents, we were dismissed as mere babysitters. We received little to no recognition and adequate compensation for our devoted efforts was virtually non-existent. Instead of receiving support and compensation, we were left feeling exploited and misled.

Sadly, our experience is not unique. There are countless other potential foster families experiencing similar hurdles. It is crucial that the DHS adheres to a standardized timeframe for processing kinship and foster certification. The current system which leaves aspiring foster parents in a state of uncertainty and strain is unacceptable and urgently needs to change.

According to the Children’s Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services, as of 2020, there were close to 400,000 children in foster care in America. These children desperately need stable homes and loving caregivers. Yet, inefficient processing by the DHS continues to delay the availability of such homes.

We urge anyone reading this, particularly those involved with the DHS, to work towards this change that’ll make a monumental difference in the lives of foster children and families. The considerable delay in processing kinship/foster certifications needs to be effectively addressed, making the system far more efficient, responsive, and ultimately, supportive of families willing to extend their homes and hearts to foster children in need.

Please sign this petition to demand strict adherence to foster care certification timeframes by the Department of Human Services.