PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) – In northwest Florida, 258 children are awaiting adoption, while 1,673 are in foster care, according to NWF Health Network. The organization supports families across 16 counties, including children in foster care, those preparing for independent living, and children waiting to be adopted.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you can\u2019t foster, support those who are,\u201d said Cathy Harcus, recruitment and retention coordinator at NWF Health Network. \u201cYou could drop off a meal, laundry soap, or even mow their grass\u2014anything that eases the stress of adding one more child to their home.\u201d<\/p>\n
People can also help as \u201celf sponsors,\u201d providing Christmas gifts for children through NWF Health Network\u2019s holiday project. Each child gets a $100 budget to create a gift list, and anyone can sign up to participate.<\/p>\n
The agency\u2019s biggest need, however, is more foster families. To qualify, you must be at least 21 with no criminal record. The process includes an optional virtual orientation, classes, paperwork, home visits, reference interviews, and background checks. Harcus, who fostered 57 children herself, calls it a \u201cblessing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we are asking people to do a hard thing,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s difficult opening your home and stretching your capacity, but the returns you get from helping a kid are priceless. You\u2019ll never regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next round of seven-week classes begins Nov. 3. Fostering is temporary care for children until they can reunify with family or find a permanent home.<\/p>\n
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