Today on (Y) Connect, you'll meet three warm and charitable women. Eron Cooper, a Foster Care Liaison and Social Worker, Kim Pluhar the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Liaison, and Caroline del Carmen the Y's Aquatics Senior Director. These inspiring women share a passion for helping families and neglected children. In today's conversation, hear how homelessness is impacting a growing number of families, the tremendous need for foster parents, the steps to become a foster parent, and how the Y is playing an essential role to support foster children.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[04:46] Eron discusses her role as a Social Worker and the Every Student Succeeds Act developed to provide entitlements to foster care students
[07:51] Kim explains the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act and four categories that define homelessness
[14:01] There are overlaps between kids who are in foster care and those who are homeless.
[16:32] Caroline gives her background and how connections were made with Kim and Eron to support foster care kids
[18:53] How to become a foster parent is outlined. Link provided
[22:16] Caroline shares stories of the Y's impact on the lives of foster children and explains the free membership and services the Y provides to them
[26:21] The need for foster parents is great, and there is an option to be a respite provider where you provide care or finances
[30:15] Caroline, Kim and Eron share their Y stories
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The need for foster care parents in Atlanta has never been more prevalent. If you are interested in learning more about this program, contact rebeccaDavidson@dhs.ga.gov.
The sad truth is there is a crossover between foster kids and homelessness. The good news is you can help if you have a heart for kids.
Forsyth County has only 20 traditional foster families, and 105 kids need care.
RESOURCE LINKS:
