To find out if being a foster parent is right for you, call Shawn Cline today at (931) 560-4250 to attend an information meeting or to schedule a free information session in your own home. Foster parents receive free training, monthly reimbursements to help offset the costs of adding a child to their household and ongoing support by trained counselors.  

To become a certified foster parent, you must attend training classes.

-Saturday classes begin on July 18th from 9-3p.m.

Training takes place at the Youth Villages Columbia office at 115 Dyer Street, Suite 1.

Do you need more information? Please contact Shawn Cline, foster parent recruiter, at (931) 560-4250.

Michael and Kathleen King have five children.  Three of their children are biological, one child is adopted, and one is in foster care; but the way they treat each child, one would never know which child was which.  "All of the kids are family," says resource parent Kathleen King, "so the younger ones accept them as brothers."

Mr. and Mrs. King first became interested in foster care after reading the book A Child Called 'It,' which helped them realize that they could make a lasting impact on a child in need.  Mr. and Mrs. King have been resource parents for five years now and have fostered five children total, one of which became an adoption.  Mrs. King said that the best thing about fostering is "seeing the changes that occur in the kids while in foster care... knowing that you are making a difference in their lives."  Mr. and Mrs. King especially enjoy fostering teenagers, stating that it gives them "the ability to engage in different pro-social activities."

Of course, fostering abused and neglected children has its challenges.  When a child in the care of Mr. and Mrs. King feels sad or angry due to problems in their past, the Kings step in to help.  "We accept every child as they are, regardless of their past mistakes.  We treat them as family right from the start," says Mrs. King.  Certainly, the counselors of Youth Villages are always there to assist.  Mrs. King said that the counselors have helped her family "by providing guidance when needed, either by phone or in person.  We feel supported."

Mrs. King recalls her most rewarding moment as a resource parent, "When our adopted foster child willingly changed his last name to King, which is ours.  We explained he didn't have to, but he really wanted to."  Mrs. King hopes others will be motivated to help needy children just as her family has.  "We always recommend fostering.  We advise those interested to have an open mind and heart.  Be steadfast, and you'll be fine."