For children who have suffered abuse or neglect, a foster parent is often the first caring adult in their lives. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and Youth Villages, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families live successfully, is looking for caring adults in Cannon County to make a difference in the life of a child in need.

Many children in foster care have suffered abuse or neglect or may be dealing with emotional, behavioral or mental health issues. These children need loving families to care for them until they can return to their birth families or an adoptive family is found for them.

Youth Villages has been providing foster care services in Tennessee since 1992 and provides ongoing support for foster parents. All new foster parents complete free training courses and counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide additional support. Foster parents also have access to weekly support groups and mentoring from experienced foster parents. A monthly stipend is provided to help offset the cost of adding another child to their household.

Candidates should be single or married adults who are at least 25 years old, be able to pass a background check, and have stable income, as well as adequate space in their home for a child.

Classes are forming and information sessions will be held soon. For more information about becoming a foster parent, please contact Jennifer Dyer at 931-525-6905 or Jennifer.Dyer@youthvillages.org.