Crisis in Delaware’s Foster Care: 470 Children Await Homes

Delaware’s foster care system is experiencing a significant crisis, with approximately 470 children currently in care across the state. The situation is particularly dire for teenagers, who often wait the longest for stable homes and many age out of the system without the support they need. The need for foster families is growing, especially in Sussex County, where finding suitable placements has become increasingly challenging.

On December 2, 2023, the WHYY Pop-Up Newsroom and Foster Care Resource Fair will be held at the West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about foster care and adoption options in Delaware, as the state grapples with a shortage of homes for its most vulnerable children.

The demographics of the children in care reflect the diversity of Delaware itself. According to the Division of Family Services, the current population includes four Asian children, 39 Hispanic children, 168 white children, and 298 Black children. Each child has a unique story, and their placement in the system can vary widely. As Trenee Parker, director of the Division of Family Services, notes, the typical understanding of foster homes often misses the broader spectrum of care available, including group settings and placements with relatives.

The greatest challenge is not merely the number of available homes but the specific needs of many children. These requirements can include specialized medical care, support for developmental or intellectual disabilities, and assistance with behavioral health issues. Parker emphasizes the importance of community engagement to attract families who can provide care for teenagers and sibling groups. “When we have children who experience foster care, we like to try to keep them with their siblings,” she explained.

The demand for foster families is particularly urgent for older youth. Parker highlighted that teenagers generally have faced more trauma before entering the foster care system, making their placement more complex. The aim is to keep these youths close to their schools and communities, but the lack of available homes complicates this goal.

The situation in Sussex County is critical, where barriers extend beyond geography to encompass cultural connections and familiarity with the community. “Our goal is to ensure we have a good representation of families who look like the families we serve throughout the state,” she added.

As the state works to expand its pool of foster families, various partner agencies are stepping in to bridge the gaps. Notable organizations such as Nemours Children’s Hospital, Child Inc., Pressley Ridge, and Children & Families First play vital roles in providing medical care, emergency shelter, therapeutic foster homes, and independent living support for teens.

Program manager Theresa Broome from Children & Families First described the current strain: with over 50 children needing care and only around 35 foster families available, the demand vastly outstrips supply. Many families express a preference for younger children, believing they can offer a greater impact to them.

Pressley Ridge has also noted a similar trend, with an increase in placements for younger children while the need for teenagers remains high. Cha Tanya Lankford, executive director for Maryland and Delaware treatment foster care at Pressley Ridge, confirmed that teens aged 13 to 17 face unique challenges, often requiring more intensive support due to trauma and behavioral issues. Rigorous training programs for prospective foster parents aim to equip them with the necessary skills to handle these complexities.

While agencies strive to prepare caregivers, the reality remains that many teens face the prospect of aging out of the system without finding a permanent home. At age 18, they transition into adulthood, often losing the support systems that have been in place throughout their childhood. The West End Neighborhood House intervenes during this critical phase through its Lifeline program, which supports young people aged 16 to 23 who are still in the foster care system or have recently aged out.

Stacy Shamburger, program director for Lifeline, reported that they currently serve around 56 youth actively involved in foster care, in addition to providing support for unaccompanied youth facing homelessness. The challenges are compounded by the broader housing crisis, making it increasingly difficult for young adults to secure stable employment and housing.

Delaware’s Tuition Waiver Program aims to ease some of the burdens for former foster youth by providing funding for education at Delaware State University, the University of Delaware, and Delaware Technical Community College. This initiative has enabled around 40 students to access higher education without incurring debt since its launch in 2022.

Despite these efforts, the message from leaders remains clear: the government alone cannot meet the extensive needs of foster youth. Parker articulated the importance of community involvement, urging individuals to support local youth in various ways, whether through sponsorship of extracurricular activities or mentorship.

As the foster care crisis continues to unfold in Delaware, the call for more foster families and community support grows louder. The future of many vulnerable children and teenagers depends on the engagement of families willing to provide them with the stability and care they desperately need.