15th of May 2018

The number of foster youth in California is staggering. According to recent surveys, there are more than 55,000 children in foster care in California. There are more than 100,000 children available for adoption from U.S. foster care. In Los Angeles County, more than 13,000 foster children are waiting for adoptive families. Trinity Youth Services, a leading foster care and adoptions agency in Southern California and Houston, Texas, has been on the front lines since 1966 to support children in crisis.

Trinity has provided care to more than 60,000 children in need since our inception. To continue serving and uplifting children who need it most, we are revealing the myths and facts about foster parenting and adopting. American’s attitudes about fostering and adopting has shown promise. In a National Foster Care Adoptions Survey, many Americans from different  backgrounds—98 percent of Caucasians, 95 percent of African-Americans and 96 percent of Hispanics—are supportive of adoption from foster care.

The key question remains: Why aren’t more families opening up their homes and their hearts to provide loving homes for abused, neglected and abandoned children? There are many myths about what it takes to become a foster parent. Some widely held beliefs about foster parenting include that foster families have to own their own home, be married, have a clean criminal record, make a lot of money, or have parenting experience. None of those are facts. If you answer ‘yes’ to the following, you may qualify to become a foster parent:

• Have a safe, loving home that you rent or own
• Your home has additional space for a foster child
• Have a steady income
• Are married or single
• Pass a criminal background check (Some minor offenses may be excusable)

The need for resource/foster parents is at a critical state. Trinity Youth Services believes every child deserves a chance to thrive in a nurturing environment with families who can help them heal, thrive and create a better future. We aim to be the first choice in providing quality care for foster children and foster parents. Trinity goes above and beyond the call of duty by offering:

• Extensive guidance and training to become a successful and certified resource parent
• Provide around the clock support from trained social workers
• Accreditation by the Council on Accreditation, extending quality programs and care to children placed out of the home of their family or origin
• Service in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California and Harris County in Texas
• Case management by a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker as well as access to Mental Health Clinicians
• Provisions to meet foster children’s medical, dental, educational and psychological needs through trauma-informed mental health counseling and educational and developmental support programs that serves each individual according to their needs

Right now, a child is waiting for a loving home. Contact us to learn more about how to foster a child today.

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Jackie Jakob, Foster Care and Adoptions Director
Having over 20 years’ experience, Jackie currently oversees Trinity Youth Services’ operations of foster care and adoptions programs throughout Southern California and in Houston, Texas. She received a bachelor’s degree in law and society from University of California Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in social work from California State University Long Beach and recently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jackie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children attending various baseball, softball and judo meets. She is one of the troop leaders for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and really enjoys running half marathons. She aims to run 4 to 5 races each year.
Tel: 909.825.5588 | Email: info@trinityys.org