Making A Difference in the Life of a Child

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – According to national statistics, more than 500,000 American children are in foster care.  These children are taken away when their families are unable to care for them, usually surrounding a crisis.  Currently, there are not enough foster families to take these children in, let alone mentor them, provide for them, or simply give them hope.

Statistics also show that if nothing were to change from the way it is now, by the year 2020, more than 10.5 million children will spend some time in foster care; more than 300,000 children will age out of the foster care system, some in poor health, some will find themselves homeless, and many will be unprepared for further education or the workforce; and 22,500 children will die of abuse or neglect, most before their 5^th birthday.

While these are frightening statistics, there are solutions out there.  For Lloyd Held, Ph.D., CEO and Founder of Haven Homes Foster Family Agency, along with his wife, Haydee, Operations Manager and co-Founder, seeing to the welfare of children is a way of life.

“We care for the children and provide constant support for the Foster Parents,” says Haydee, a nurse, whose expertise is in child care.  “If the parents feel supported, the minors in the home feel safe and happy, and the placement will be successful.”

Haven Homes is a Christian-based, foster agency that recruits potential parents who will become qualified candidates.  They train them with stringent guidelines, and place children in their homes.  They also assign a Social Worker to manage their case, providing 24/7 support and weekly (or more as needed) visits.  The ultimate goal is not only to facilitate success, but place the children in the best environment possible.

Lloyd, who has been a Social Worker for over 31 years and holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Counseling, founded Haven Homes on the premise that families are the cornerstone of society.  Compassion is what drives the business, and he believes that providing these foster children with a consistent family life will help them develop the life skills that will allow them to function as valuable members of the community later in life.

Becoming a Foster Parent is not just a public service, it’s a privilege.  As a Foster Parent, you can help to significantly change a life for the better – and break an unhappy cycle – causing a positive ripple effect for generations to come.

Haydee says, “As Christians, it is our duty to be a good example to children; this is a mission field that has not been explored enough.”

Haven Homes is helping to provide that mission field.

“When children get the right tools and are taught how to use them, they will overcome obstacles in their paths.  As parents and foster parents, we have to plant those seeds.  The rest is up to the Lord,” Haydee continues.

The Held’s work is carried out with the philosophy of believing in what you do, and pursuing it until your reach your goal.  If you believe you would be a good candidate, and would like to make a positive difference in the life of a child, or even a medically-fragile child or sibling group that may not otherwise have a chance, contact Haven Homes Foster Family Agency.

“Become a Foster Parent:  You can Make a Difference! 

Tjo Fowroe Haven Homes Foster Family Agency is located at 12321 Magnolia Avenue, Suite B, in Riverside.  They can be reached at (877) 495-5439, or visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/havenhomesinc. Insurance programs cover health, dental and therapy services, and expense reimbursement programs are available for Foster Parents.