A story in the Friday, April 14 edition of The Valdosta Daily Times reported that efforts to reform Georgia’s foster care system and reduce the number of children housed in hotels and offices were among the top bipartisan successes during the 2023 legislative session.

Senate Bill 133 is one of the most crucial bills.

It seeks to reform how children enter foster care, stemming from “inconsistencies in different courts in the state” in placing a child into the custody of the Division of Children and Family Services.

“The bill, approved by both the House and Senate on the last day of Georgia’s 2023 legislative session, creates a uniform process for DFCS to assume custody of children based on Children In Need of Services or delinquency disposition orders,” according to the report.

Senate Bill 133 is one of several bills related to foster care reform.

In addition to reforms in the system, we urge people to consider fostering children.

Next month is National Foster Care Month.

Foster Care Month exists to raise awareness about foster care needs and show appreciation to all foster families.

But raising awareness about the importance of foster care is always timely.

There are thousands of children in foster care in Georgia, according to the state’s Division of Family and Children Services.

The children come from many backgrounds and situations.

They are children of all ages and races.

A great many of them have special needs, including teenagers, siblings and children with physical, emotional and/or behavioral disabilities.

The Division of Family and Children Services operates under the Georgia Department of Human Services and is tasked with assuring that children are safe from abuse and neglect.

Dedicated caregivers are a critical part of fulfilling that mission.

DFCS says once a determination is made that it is not safe for a child to remain in the home of a parent or guardian, the child may be placed in foster care.

The foster-care program is designed to be a temporary home away from home while qualified professionals work with the family to address child-safety concerns.

DFCS said its goal is to return children safely to their families but adds that the child’s safety comes before any other consideration.

DFCS has said the agency is always looking for what it calls “loving, safe and stable homes for the children who are brought into care.” The approval process can take up to 10 months and may require certifications, evaluations and a good bit of documentation.

Foster parents do not receive a per diem for caring for the children in their homes, according to DFCS. Rather, they can be reimbursed for some of the expenses they incur while caring for children. The state may provide an initial clothing allowance when children enter foster care as well as an annual clothing allowance.

Foster children may also benefit from certain therapeutic services as well as health and safety items that may include things such as car seats, booster seats and safety helmets.

Foster children between the ages 14-25 are provided with services through the Independent Living Program that provides funding and support to help youth successfully transition from foster care, according to DFCS.

In a perfect world, foster care would not be needed.

In a perfect world, children would never be abused or neglected.

It is not a perfect world.

In our world, children are orphaned, sadly others are abandoned, abused and neglected, making foster care so important and foster families so needed and appreciated.

People interested in serving as a foster parent can call (877) 210-KIDS.