Foster Care Initiative

The McFarlins' Foster Care Testimony

Could you be the solution to a child's crisis?

Louisiana is experiencing a critical shortage of foster families to care for children who need safe and loving homes. In the Lafayette region alone (which includes surrounding parishes), DCFS estimates that another 150 families are needed to meet the current need.

We believe that the Church is the answer and we can start to reduce that number now. We’ve set a goal to identify and equip Christian families within the Church in Acadiana to become foster families or assist those who do, and thereby fulfill the Biblical description of pure and genuine religion (caring for the fatherless and widows in their distress).

Love Acadiana is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and Our Savior’s Church to host Orientation/Interest meetings explaining the fostering process and answering questions.

What happens when there are not enough families to foster?

  1. The needs don’t stop coming in.
  2. Children may have to spend the night on the hard floor of a government office while a state worker tries desperately to find them a place to lay their heads.
  3. Foster families who are already spread thin end up taking in more children to try to help, then risk their own burnout. 
  4. And worst of all, children who should be removed from some situations are forced to remain until more foster homes open. 

On the other hand, when Christ-followers answer the call:

  1. Children have a safe place to experience the love of Jesus.
  2. Children can heal within the security of a family.
  3. Children can witness what a healthy home can be, so that even if the placement is temporary, they always have that model to draw from when they grow up. Fostering can literally change the trajectory of an entire family.
  4. Foster parents even regularly report being able to mentor biological parents so that they can learn healthier parenting habits than what they may have been exposed to until that point.

If you are not able to foster now but want to help lighten the load for current foster families – which is also crucial – the schedule below will have an option for concurrent meetings where we’ll share ways and connect you with opportunities to help.

Many foster families explain that if they had not had the help of their church family, they could not have fostered children. Likewise, many say that if they only knew they had help, they’d be more willing to start or continue fostering. Increasing the number of foster homes in our area will require a two-pronged approach: identification and retention. We must inspire new families / individuals to foster and retain those who are currently fostering.

If God has placed a tug on your heart to help children by fostering or supporting foster families, click your preferred date below to register for one of the Orientation/Interest meetings. You’ll get great information from DCFS representatives, foster parents, and support agencies.

Monday, August 28, 2023 – Opelousas

Thursday, August 31, 2023 – Lafayette

Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Abbeville

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – New Iberia

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – Broussard

Thursday, September 14, 2023 – Lafayette (Midtown)

If you continue toward foster parent certification, this foster parent orientation meeting will serve as the DCFS-required Orientation before beginning foster parent certification classes. You are not obligated to become certified to foster just by attending this orientation. It is just an opportunity to receive information and ask questions.

MISSION

To inspire, grow, organize and equip families within Acadiana and the Christian community to support and/or become a foster care family in order to bring hope, healing and the love of Jesus to every child.

VISION

• Identify and inspire families within Acadiana who may feel called to become foster care families

• Identify potential leaders to use their gifts, passions and what God has put on their hearts to impact others by supporting foster care families through a support system

• Multiply and develop small groups/outreach teams and individuals to support the foster care endeavors in various ways 

• Build support around biological families when reunification occurs

Thank You for Your Generosity!

Through your kindness and generosity Love Acadiana will continue to serve the helpless and hurting of our region. Thank you for helping us to LOVE Acadiana.