The Pima County foster care system is overwhelmed. There was a huge increase of children entering foster care beginning in 2012 and continuing into 2013. That number has since stayed steady, but the funding to help these children has not increased to match the number of children in the state’s care. .
There have never been enough foster homes in Pima County. Of course, prevention services are best so children can say in their biological parents’ care, but there will always be a need for licensed foster homes. For those who feel they can’t provide a foster home but have a desire to help, there is also need for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) who act as advocates for the children.
Every state has continuing needs for individuals and couples to help the children who are in state care.