(Denison, Iowa)  – Officials with Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) are putting out an urgent request for foster parents in western Iowa. Danette Morgan, Training and Development Coordinator for LSI in Denison, says if you have ever considered foster parenting, NOW is the time.

LSI is contracted with the Department of Human Services to cover 30 counties in western Iowa. They take referrals from DHS, which provides services in the home before the children are removed. Morgan says this is far different from the “myth” of simply coming in and grabbing the children from their unsafe home and bouncing them around until they find suitable temporary housing.

Danette says in cases where the child is not able to stay in their original home, LSI is notified of the need for a home. This year, up through the end of June, that has happened more than 300 times for the 30 counties LSI serves. She says throughout the State of Iowa, from January 2020 through the end of December, 3,936 children entered foster care.

When it’s not possible for the child to return home, they become eligible for adoption. As of July 22, 2021, there are 780 children eligible for adoption, in Iowa. Becoming a foster parent is a process that begins with an filling out an inquiry form at lsiowa.org/foster.

Free orientation classes will be held August 12th in Council Bluffs, September 9th in Audubon, and September 23^rd, in Sioux City. The no obligation classes offer you an opportunity to learn more about what it is to be a foster parent. If you’re still interested, the paperwork, including a background check is conducted.

If you pass that, LSI will talk with you about TIP (Trauma Informed Parenting) Classes. That involves training once a week for 3-hours each week for 10 weeks, or a total of 30 hours training, in addition to your home study.

There is no amount of income requirement to be a foster parent, but LSI does ask for verification of income. Single parents over the age of 21 may become foster parents, regardless of whether you own or rent your home. They’re simply looking for a safe, nurturing environment for foster children.

For more information, go to https://lsiowa.org/foster-care-adoption/, or Email fosteradopt@lsiowa.org to ask questions and sign up.