Fostering Faithful Families

Six faith-based child welfare agencies in St. Louis have entered into a collaborative effort, Fostering Faithful Families, to recruit foster and adoptive families within their respective congregations.  The partners in this effort are:

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services / Epworth Children & Family Services / Lutheran Family & Children Services / MBCH Children & Family Ministries / One Heart Family Ministries / Presbyterian Children's Services

Based upon the feedback of current foster and adoptive parents who described their role as a calling, or practice of faith, these agencies agree that the faith-based community is a largely untapped source of permanent families for children and youth in foster care. 

The need for foster and adoptive parents is great, especially for older children and sibling groups.  Being a foster or adoptive parent is a big job and requires a great deal of support from neighbors, friends, family and one's community.  In its mission to connect children with families and keep families together, Good Shepherd Children & Family Services matches children with families and coordinates the support needed to make the family connection a permanent one.