OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone's day-to-day lives, but the Kansas City area's most vulnerable kids may be having the toughest time.
TFI Family Services in Overland Park, Kansas, is recruiting foster parents.
“If you love kids and you want to see them have a safe place, than this is what you need to do," said Libby Hayden, community liaison coordinator.
Hayden told 41 Action News the need for foster parents has always been there, but is growing now more than ever.
Once the pandemic ends, Hayden said agencies such as TFI expect an increase in foster care placement. Difficult times are what she said spark domestic violence and child abuse.
“I think that’s why we’re going to see a rise when this all comes to an end. We’ll probably see a lot of kids because they’re not seeing those people that are keeping an eye out for them," Hayden said.
In Kansas, there are more than 7,500 kids that need a foster home, and less than 2,500 homes available.
Korby Lathrop told 41 Action News she became a foster parent in February 2019. During the pandemic, Lathrop said she's experiencing uncertain times with her 7-year-old foster son.
Visits have changed for foster children and their biological families, moving from in person visits to virtual ones.
“One of the challenges for my current foster son is that as part of COVID-19, his visits with his siblings and with his family have been transitioned to Zoom calls," Lathrop said.
While life may seem like it's been put on pause, Hayden said challenges for foster children haven't stopped.
“We’re all after the same goal and that goal is that these kids have a safe place to go and somebody that will care about them and hopefully help their families get put back together and heal," Hayden said.
If you have a concern about a child in your state, contact your local law enforcement and/or social services authorities.
To reach the National Child Abuse Hotline, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
In Kansas, call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 800-922-5330.
In Missouri, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.
