San Diego county has 3200 children are in the foster care system
with 64% under 6
70% of adults in prison
33% of homeless men and women
60% of trafficking victims have history in child welfare and foster care systems
The foster care system is overwhelmed, but the number of children continues to multiply. Many parents are at risk of losing their kids to county services as they face poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and rising living costs—often combined with issues of domestic violence, mental health, and addiction.
Once in foster care, 48% of girls become pregnant by age 19, with few resources to break generational cycles of poverty, abuse, trauma and tragedy.
Loving foster parents can provide the care, stability and mentorship kids need to heal and flourish. But there are not nearly enough, and the average foster family takes in just one child, quitting after one placement due to the overwhelming task. More foster families are needed, and those families need more support.
All through scripture God expresses his care and concern for the orphan and the fatherless. What would happen if hundreds of local churches and thousands of individual Christians shared God's heart for these kids?
Join us in praying for Foster Care
That God would give us a heart for the orphan and the fatherless, precious boys and girls made in His image. Pray through these verses: Hosea 14:3, Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 82:3, James 1:27
That God would raise up many Christians to become foster parents and/or a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
That public awareness and concern for the plight of these children would grow.
That God would raise up and sustain caring Child Welfare Service workers.
That our city's leaders would pursue wise policies that protect children and help break cycles of poverty.
For organizations like Restoration 225 and David's Harp, and local churches like Redeemer, Trinity and Risen, who serve families and kids in foster care.
Join us in praying for Restoration 225
Praise - Restoration 225 launched Care Portal this year which allows county-wide social workers to connect with local churches in order to meet the needs of the kids and families they serve. It's beautiful to see the county recognizing the church as a key resource of love and service for the community.
Request - Restoration 225 wants to see 175 churches deeply involved in foster care by the end of 2024, currently about 30 engaged at this level. They need capacity to expand resources (staff/funding) and churches need to respond.