Wayne County, N.C. — The Wayne County Department of Social Services (DSS) is actively recruiting individuals and families to become licensed foster care providers. This initiative addresses a growing demand for safe, stable, and loving homes for children who have been removed from their birth families due to abuse, neglect, or other challenging circumstances.
Foster care providers play a crucial role in the child welfare system by offering temporary homes where children can experience stability, support, and care while working toward reunification with their biological families or permanent placement elsewhere. These caregivers provide essential nurturing environments that help children cope with trauma and uncertainty, contributing to their overall well-being and development.
The department is especially interested in recruiting foster families who can care for a diverse range of children, including sibling groups who need to stay together, teenagers who require extra support, and children with special medical or behavioral needs. By expanding the pool of licensed foster families, Wayne County DSS aims to place children closer to their communities, schools, and support systems, which research shows greatly benefits their outcomes.
Becoming a licensed foster care provider involves a comprehensive process that includes training, background checks, home assessments, and ongoing support from the department’s experienced staff. Prospective foster parents receive education on trauma-informed care, child development, and navigating the foster care system, ensuring they are prepared to meet the needs of children in their care.
The Wayne County DSS provides continuous resources and assistance to foster families to help them navigate challenges and create positive, nurturing environments. This includes access to medical, educational, and therapeutic services tailored to each child’s needs.
Individuals or families interested in learning more about fostering in Wayne County or beginning the licensing process are encouraged to contact department representatives Sidney Whitfield or Yessenia Nash. Their contact information is available on official department flyers distributed in the community. Additional information can also be found on the Wayne County DSS website or by visiting the local department office.
The department urges community members to consider the significant and rewarding role of fostering, which not only transforms the lives of children but can also enrich the lives of foster families and the wider community.
