Do you have space in your home — and life — for a child caught in a difficult situation?

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has put out a call during Foster Care Month for more foster homes to temporarily take in children while the state works toward hopefully reuniting them safely with their parents.

“We are thankful for the thousands of families across Michigan who have already opened up their hearts and homes to care for youth in foster care,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, stated in a news release. “There continues to be a need for more foster families to provide stable and safe family homes for children of all ages in the state’s care.”

Every person involved in foster care has a diverse background and experiences that offer a unique perspective. MDHHS has shared several stories about people who have made a difference in the lives of youth in Michigan in Faces of Foster Care, https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/hopeforahome/faces-of-foster-care.

Michigan has about 10,000 children of all ages in foster care, with a shortage of space for teens, sibling groups and youth who have special needs. These children have been victims of abuse and neglect, and need a nurturing environment until they can safely go back to their parents or — in a smaller number of cases — until they can find adoptive homes when it’s deemed unsafe for them to return home.

MDHHS provides foster families a daily rate to help with the care of foster children based on the age and needs of the child. Foster families also receive a semi-annual clothing allowance, and many families qualify for reimbursement for the costs of day care. Children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid, which pays for medical, dental and mental health care, according to MDHHS.

The first step to becoming a foster parent is contacting a Foster Care Navigator.

Navigators are experienced foster parents who can answer questions, help individuals find an agency that’s right for them and provide guidance along their journey to becoming a foster parent. They can be reached at 855-MICHKIDS with additional information available at Fcnp.org. Foster Care Navigators are also able to assist families with the foster home licensing process.

To learn more about foster care, go online to Michigan.gov/HopeforaHome.