ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - More than 11,000 children are currently in foster care statewide, with many still waiting for stable homes as organizations across Georgia work to recruit more families during National Foster Care Month.

StepStone Family & Youth Services has partnered with Georgia DFACS since 1993 to help place children in foster homes across the state.

Executive Director LaShay Wilson says the need for foster families continues to grow.

“We have to deny children every day. It is the most heartbreaking part of our job that we have to deny children every day,” Wilson said.

Wilson says when agencies cannot find placements, some children are forced to stay in hotels or overnight at DFACS offices.

She says many people are intimidated by foster care, but StepStone focuses on supporting families through the process and breaking misconceptions surrounding children in care.

“Children enter care because of the failure of an adult prior to foster care,” Wilson said.

Wilson says foster agencies are not looking for perfect families, just families willing to provide support, stability, and care.

Foster children range in age from birth to 21. Foster families receive training and support. Agencies statewide are recruiting more foster and adoptive families.

Wilson says even one supportive home can make a lasting impact on a child’s future.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.