ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A south Georgia foster care organization says applications are dropping during a time of critical need. Current foster parents are speaking up about the benefits of fostering.

For Errick and Hannah Pope, the decision to foster came after a difficult time in their own lives. Errick experienced a serious illness, and that became the push they needed.

“It’s either now or never,” Hannah said. “Life is too short. You don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring. Why not fill the gap for other children while we also have a gap in our life? Because we didn’t have children of our own.”

Referrals outpace available homes

While the Popes’ decision helped, the gap remains. In August, Necco Foster Care got more than 300 placement referrals from the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The organization has 38 active foster homes across southwest Georgia.

Without enough open homes, children who aren’t placed often end up in group homes or hotels.

Shaquanna Jessie, an initial licensing specialist with Necco, says children removed from their biological families often experience trauma, and feelings of separation and loss.

“Being placed in a foster home gives them more of a normal sense of living, well, their new normal, I would say,” Jessie said.

Jessie says group homes are a good alternative, but do not beat a foster home.

“The group homes are a good way to find them a place to live because they do teach them different life skills and everything, but the best way to do it is to have them in a normal household setting,” Jessie said.

Necco helps pair and support foster parents, providing help with the application process and support afterward.

Interest in fostering has slowed

Necco says interest in fostering has slowed, and some people who start the application process become discouraged along the way. The Popes say they understand fostering isn’t easy, but for them, the challenges have come with rewards.

“You know, it kind of gave us an opportunity to love harder, stronger. And it kind of increased our capacity as well,” Errick said. “You know, fostering helps you... it brings out the best in you, I think, from my experience.”

The Popes want other families who have thought about fostering to take the next step.

“You’re opening up your home. You know, if you have the space and the opportunity, just do it,” Errick and Hannah said. “I think that the best piece of advice for anybody that’s even interested or maybe early on in the process is go into it ready to love, ready to cry, and ready to be supported through, hopefully, Necco. But if not, find a good agency that will provide those supports.”

Those interested in becoming a foster parent can visit Necco.org

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