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Ideally, every home would be a safe, supportive environment for a child or youth. The reality is, many are not.
Some of the youngest and most vulnerable among us are in a state of crisis, many times due to abuse. They may have to deal with related behavioral, developmental or emotional issues — even substance abuse.
The state will be called upon to help the family correct the situation through an individualized case plan, but in the meantime, the children must have a place to stay. Sometimes, relatives will take them in during this process. Sometimes, that isn’t an option.
Thus, the need for generous community members — foster parents — to open their homes to these children. But that need is great. There just are not enough foster homes.
According to the latest figures, the rate of St. Johns County children age 17 and younger in foster care is 344.4 per 100,000. As the population continues to grow, the need is expected to increase. And not every foster home is a good match for every child. As a result, more quality foster homes must be found.
Enter the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), a nonprofit family and youth advocacy organization committed to doing what is best for children, youth and families. NYAP has been around for 45 years and is present in 10 states — in Florida since 2008. The St. Johns County office opened in February of this year at 701 Market St. Unit 103B in St. Augustine.
Each family served by NYAP is assigned a caseworker, guardian ad litem advocate, treatment coordinator and therapist where needed.
“We like to describe it as concierge service,” said Kelly Patchen, foster parent growth and retention coordinator. “We offer everything from comprehensive training to the entire licensing process, and then incredible resources and support for our families that take the journey with us.”
And that support is 24/7.
Program Supervisor Ashley Ciliberti has herself been a foster parent, though she took on that role without the benefit of NYAP. Support in these cases is often limited to an overburdened case worker.
“When I found NYAP, I was like: Whoa!” she said. “I would have loved to have access to someone 24/7.”
She comes to the table with firsthand knowledge of the challenges foster parents take on.
“I always say, ‘I want to be a light in such a darkness of child welfare,’” she said.
In addition, the local office specializes in sibling sets.
“We’re really passionate about trying to keep siblings together,” said Patchen. “It’s best for both the children and the family.”
The ultimate goal is to be able to return foster children to their biological families within 12 months.
The local NYAP office conducts weekly information sessions for anyone thinking about becoming a foster parent. If the time is not convenient to an interested person, Patchen and her staff will work out an alternative.
If someone decides to go forward, they fill out a digital inquiry form and receive the necessary training.
“We really want to make sure that they have the tools in their toolbox to be successful,” Patchen said.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact the NYAP office at 904-443-9240 or by emailing Patchen at kpatchen@nyap.org. Further information can be found at nyap.org.
How much do you know about foster care? Click HERE to learn the differences between the myths you may have heard and the reality.
