By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore Autauga News
Foster parents play a vital role in the lives of children who have experienced hardship, uncertainty, or trauma. They open their hearts and homes to provide stability, safety, and love. Beyond offering shelter, foster parents become mentors, advocates, and trusted caregivers—helping children heal, grow, and thrive during some of the most challenging times in their young lives. Their commitment not only transforms individual futures but strengthens entire communities.
There are over 40 foster homes in Elmore County- a statistic that has more than doubled over the past decade.
“11 years ago, we had only 12 foster homes in Elmore County,” Michelle Wood with the Elmore County Department of Human Resources explained. “Today, we have 41 approved foster homes in Elmore County to serve those children.”
Foster Parent Appreciation started as a national campaign in the 80s.
“It began about 37 years ago with a proclamation from then-President Ronald Reagan to be observed every May to show our appreciation for the foster families that open their homes and open their hearts to the children in Elmore County, and all across the nation, when they are in need of a safe place to stay,” Wood said.
This proclamation serves as a way to recognize foster parents.
“This tradition is a way for us to honor our foster parents and the sacrifices that they make in taking in these children, loving them, and providing them a safe home. It highlights the continued need for good families to care for abused and neglected children within our county as of today,” Wood said.
Wood expressed gratitude to the Elmore County Commission and everyone who works to provide shelter to children in foster care. In addition to honoring foster parents, this proclamation also emphasizes the ongoing need for compassionate families willing to care for children right here in our county.
“We thank you,” she said. “Because the public recognition does help us to make people aware that there’s a continued need for foster homes, and get the word out about that. We can’t do our jobs protecting children without the help of our foster homes and the people in the community that are willing to help provide those.”
Elmore County Commission Chairman, Bart Mercer, expressed his appreciation in return, thanking Wood and all those involved in supporting the foster care program.
“We appreciate you continuously keeping this subject in front of us, such an important item,” Mercer said. “We appreciate the vital role that our foster families play in our county because when these families get these children, sometimes, they’re in the worst place that they’re going to be in their entire life. These families play a very important role in our county. We appreciate what they do.”
According to the website, Children Uniting Nations, as of early 2025, approximately 390,000 children were in foster care across the United States. This figure reflects a slight increase from 2022, when the number was around 368,500, but remains below the peak of 437,000 in 2018.
To become a foster parent in Alabama, you must be at least 19 years old, pass a background check, have a stable income, able to provide a safe home, and be in good physical and mental health.
Prospective foster parents must also complete 30 hours of TIPPS (Trauma-Informed Partnering for Permanence and Safety). Undergo a home study, during which a social worker will visit your home, interview all household members, and ensure the environment is suitable for a child.
To learn more, visit the Alabama Department of Human Resources at https://dhr.alabama.gov/foster-care/
