An organization that assists in placing children in the foster care system says one-third of those children are now Hispanic. That statistic is in part pushing a greater effort in Central Florida to find host families who have similar language and customs.
- 1 in 3 children in foster care in Orange and Osceola counties speak Spanish
- Community Based Care of Central Florida need more Spanish-speaking foster parents
Representatives from Community Based Care of Central Florida say new policies within Florida’s foster care system have resulted in an increase in kids of all cultures and backgrounds in the system.
“We’re seeing an increase across the board for all children,” said Danielle Abbey, the Community Impact Manager for Community Based Care of Central Florida. “So especially in Osceola County, because that demographic tends to be more heavily Hispanic, we are seeing a rise in children coming into foster care there as well.”
For one of every three children in foster care in Orange and Osceola counties, Spanish is their primary language.
“I think there is a huge need for Hispanics to get involved in this,” said German Fuentes. “Because obviously for the children, if you can at least have the food that they’re used to or maybe watch the TV channel that they used to watch at home, again the less traumatic you make it for the children, the better off they are.”
The Fuentes have taken care of four children in the past eight months. They say that as long as they have room in their home, they will continue to take children in -- and hope others find space in their hearts to do the same.
“Spanish people are giving people, so I encourage anyone who is thinking about it to get the information and call the number, go on the website,” Fuentes said.
For more information on fostering and adoption visit ProtectAndInspire.org or call: 866-90-CHILD (24453).